KUALA LUMPUR: The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) is looking at a new approach on qualifying standard for the biennial Sea Games.
Its selection committee is contemplating a top three regional rankings and top four for team events for Category A (fully-funded) while Category B (self-funded) athletes need to be in the top six rankings and under the age of 23.
OCM secretary general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib said they are now discussing with member associations, and the feedback will be used to produce a new selection mechanism.
He said it is a collaborative approach between OCM and national sports associations (NSAs).
"We hope to come up with a new selection template that is transparent and easily comprehensible by all stakeholders, especially the athletes," he said after an OCM council meeting today.
"This consultative approach with the associations is to consider the unique circumstances surrounding each sport, including the qualification period, the developmental stage for young athletes, room for senior athletes to be included and the national championship of every sport.
"The guiding principle is top three regional rankings and top four for team events for Category A. Category B athletes need to be in the top six rankings and under the age of 23. Each sport is given room to present their case to the selection committee."
OCM also said the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) Office had announced the final list of 50 sports and two demonstration sports for the 2025 Thailand Sea Games.
Malaysia is successful in its appeal to include cricket, karate, tenpin bowling, weightlifting, wushu, canoe, chess, kabaddi, skating, sports climbing, water skiing wakeboard and woodball.
OCM will continue to push for the inclusion of bodybuilding, lawn bowls, contract bridge and dancesport.
The final list of sports will be tabled for endorsement and approval at the second SEAGF council meeting in Bangkok on Oct 25.