IPOH, May 9 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is charting new territory as an international-class kayaking hub, developing a state-of-the-art water sports facility worth RM1 million at the UPSI Marina.
Its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, said the initiative, which includes enhancement of the lake, acquisition of the latest kayaking equipment, specialised reference materials, and the support of sports science expertise, has positioned UPSI as a leading destination for training, research, and the management of national water sports events.
"UPSI offers more than just physical infrastructure. We are backed by strong academic capabilities and technical expertise,” he said.
He added that the university currently has four national-level kayaking experts based at the Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, ready to provide guidance and advisory services to athletes, coaches, and sports organisations.
With ongoing scientific research, up-to-date reference resources, and the application of cutting-edge water sports technology, UPSI is poised to become an integrated training centre for kayaking as well as a platform for organising local and international tournaments, he said.
He said this when opening the 16th UPSI Kayak Regatta at Gerbang Suria on the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus near Tanjong Malim, recently.
He added that the university currently has four national-level kayaking experts based at the Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, ready to provide guidance and advisory services to athletes, coaches, and sports organisations.
“Our aim is not just to produce excellent athletes but also to develop kayaking through a holistic approach that encompasses training, sports science, management and education," he said.
Md Amin said UPSI is currently in the process of securing official recognition from the Asian Canoe Confederation (ACC) as one of the primary venues for canoe and dragon boat sports development and championships in the country.
"Once recognised, UPSI will join the ranks of Malaysian universities with international-class status as a centre for kayaking and dragon boat sports development," he added.
He also highlighted that UPSI offers comprehensive educational opportunities for athletes, ranging from a diploma to a doctorate (PhD) programme. This includes a special pathway known as Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL Q), tailored for experienced coaches.
"We believe sports and education should progress together. Through this dedicated pathway, coaches with over 20 years of experience can further their studies through the Master of Education programme in Sports Science," he said
-- BERNAMA
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