KUALA LUMPUR: Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh feels that sports attires that are the accepted norm, should not be used to stop athletes from pursuing their dreams.
She said this following news of Muslim women's gymnasts quitting their sport due to Terengganu's dress code, with some taking up the offer to switch from gymnastics to wushu.
"Gymnastics and wushu are two different sports, okay?
"I have called the Terengganu Gymnastics Association president, Abdul Razak Mat Amin, and will soon meet to discuss a way forward for those involved," said Yeoh today during the launch of the inaugural Petrina Cup - a rhythmic gymnastics competition named after Malaysian Gymnastics Federation vice president, Petrina Low. Also in attendance were Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria and National Sports Council acting general director Abdul Rashid Yakub.
"When youngsters want to get involved in any type of sports, clothing should not be a barrier of any kind for them to continue with their dreams.
"Gymnasts who want to continue to pursue gymnastics should be given ample opportunity to pursue their dreams.
"I have also checked with the gymnastics federation, and the clothing comes with safety, and not just about dressing.
"Certain clothes are designed to give them protection and for comfort in the sport, so I hope when the Sports Ministry and State Sports Council convene with the athletes to discuss their future pathways, we will find a solution for them," said Yeoh.