Malaysian eSports' Asiad success triggers a call for more firepower
AICHI: The Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) wants more athletes and game titles included in the Podium Programme to prepare for the 2027 SEA Games.
The Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) is seeking increased participation in the Podium Programme ahead of the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. This call for greater involvement follows the remarkable success of the national eSports team at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where they secured one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, surpassing their initial objective of one silver and three bronze.
MESF President, Naim Al Amin Saharudin, highlighted that only three eSports titles — Gran Turismo 7 (GT7), eFootball, and Identity V — are part of the full-time Podium Programme, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) currently in a part-time status. Naim believes that the medal-winning performances of these full-time titles in Aichi-Nagoya demonstrate the effectiveness of the current approach, prompting a proposal to widen the programme to encompass Mobile Legends: Bang Bang as well.
In addition to GT7, eFootball, and Honor of Kings, which also earned medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, Naim emphasized the importance of including the women's category in future competitions. The Malaysian eSports squad finished third overall in the eSports category, trailing only Japan and China.
To better prepare Malaysian eSports athletes for the 2027 SEA Games, Naim outlined a comprehensive selection process that would begin with talent scouting at various levels, including schools, universities, and open qualifiers. This would culminate in a shortlist of athletes, followed by several months of joint training, ultimately culminating in a selection of representatives for training camps, either locally or abroad.
Recognizing the need for adequate training facilities, MESF has requested improved resources from the National Sports Council (NSC). Naim stressed the importance of having a spacious, dedicated training center to accommodate all athletes and eSports titles. If necessary, MESF is prepared to seek alternative premises to ensure optimal training conditions for all participants.
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