SEA GAMES: MAS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CATEGORY B ATHLETES,TEAM OFFICIALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) today announced that it will provide financial assistance to all Category B athletes and team officials representing the country at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

In a statement, MAS said it will subsidise 50 per cent of the full board and return flight expenses from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok for all 82 Category B athletes and team officials across the five aquatic disciplines — swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo and open water swimming.

“This decision, endorsed by the MAS Executive Committee on Oct 5, reflects MAS’s continued commitment to ensuring that Malaysia maintains competitive representation across all aquatic sports in preparation for hosting the 2027 SEA Games.

“Participation in the SEA Games 2025 will mark an important milestone, especially for disciplines such as Artistic Swimming and Open Water Swimming, which will be returning to the regional stage after periods of absence.

“This subsidy initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on athletes while reinforcing Malaysia’s presence across all aquatic disciplines,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, MAS president, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the governing body is committed to supporting their athletes' journey as they prepare to compete on the regional stage.

“The 2025 SEA Games serves as a vital platform for athlete development, team rebuilding, and strategic readiness as Malaysia moves toward hosting the 2027 Games,” he said.

-- BERNAMA