Youth and Sports Ministry criticises Terengganu’s restrictions on female athletes

THE Youth and Sports Ministry has expressed concern over the Terengganu state government’s recent restrictions on female athletes, following criticism directed at two Muslim girls who competed in the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) diving competition.

(Focus Malaysia) – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan voiced her apprehensions in a Facebook post, highlighting the potential negative impact of the state’s directive on the development of young athletic talents and the overall growth of sports in Malaysia.

The ministry is concerned that the state government’s directive limiting female athletes’ participation could stifle the potential of young talents and negatively affect the overall development of sports in the country.

She also urged the Terengganu government not to discriminate against awarding victory incentives to the two divers – Uzlifatil Jannah Ashraf and Ilyssa Ixora Imran – who secured bronze medals for their contingent.

The ministry (also) hopes the Terengganu government does not discriminate against awarding victory incentives to these two divers, as they have contributed medals to their contingent.

Moreover, Yeoh revealed that the two athletes would continue their training under the federal government’s supervision at the Malaysian Sports School with aspirations for their inclusion in national-level programmes in the future.

Meanwhile, National diving technical director Bryan Nickson has identified the girls as potential candidates for the national talent programme, provided they continue to show improvement in upcoming tournaments.

This issue arose after the Terengganu Amateur Swimming Association issued an apology for sending the two divers to SUKMA without state government approval. The apology followed remarks by Terengganu’s Youth and Sports committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim, who expressed shock over the girls’ participation, citing the state’s policy against female Muslims competing in diving due to concerns over dress code compliance.

In 2018, Terengganu mandated shariah-compliant clothing for its athletes, both in-state and during outstation events. Four years later, the state banned women from participating in gymnastics due to non-compliant outfits, leading to the retirement of several Muslim female gymnasts from the sport.

However, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri DrAhmad Samsuri Mokhtar assured that the two divers, despite their participation not being officially sanctioned, would still receive their incentives.

Uzlifatil Jannah Ashraf and Ilyssa Ixora Imran earned their bronze medals in the 10m platform synchronised diving category, with Uzlifatil also securing a bronze in the 1m springboard category.