MAD to kick-off 10-year plan to promote dodgeball

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Dodgeball (MAD) are set to kick-off a 10-year plan next year, with the goal to see the sport included in future Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games.

Earlier this month, the national men's team showed their prowess by bagging the world title for a third time in five years in Canada.

Not only did the men's team reclaim the title last won at the 2018 edition in Toronto, the mixed team, who made their debut this year, secured the silver.

MAD president Datuk V. Radhakrishan told the press that Malaysia, as the pioneers in the region, must push forward to raise the popularity of the sport, which until today unfortunately still lacks funding.

"We have come up with a 10-year plan on how to bring dodgeball to the next level.

"I think we have come to a stage where dodgeball is recognised internationally and everybody respects Malaysia.

"Together with the support of the Sports Ministry, we as an association need to promote this sport in a bigger way. Take it to more levels, now we have it at schools and universities, but we need to bring it to the community.

"Hopefully one day, it will even be at the Malaysia Games. If we do our job properly and professionally, I am sure the National Sports Council (NSC) will consider.

"From there, we hope to see it at the Sea Games and then the Asian Games. We as the pioneers have already started talking with countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore on how to start their national leagues.

"To make it to the Sea Games, we need everyone to work together. There is a lot of work, but we believe with all the support, we should be able to succeed in our 10-year plan," Radhakrishan said after welcoming the national squad, who arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.

Also present were Deputy Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker and NSC director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail.

Radhakrishan also announced that Malaysia will host the inaugural Asia Pacific Championships in April next year.

"So far, 30 teams have confirmed their participation.

"This competition will allow the other Southeast Asian countries to come and see how we run our programmes here. As pioneers, we need to take it to the next level," he added.

On top of winning one gold, and one silver at the world meet, the men's team captain Carlos Goonting bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, which in his words was the "icing on the cake".

The Malaysian men's team were first crowned champions in 2017, while the women's team were champions in 2016 and 2017.