Hyrox event gets conditional approval after beer company pulls out

The Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry has granted conditional approval for the Hyrox race in Kuala Lumpur from December 10 to 13, according to Minister Dr Taufiq Johari. However, the approval hinges on the organizers' adherence to the Safe Sport Code and all conditions set by the sports commissioner. The Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 event's organizers have committed to following all stipulations outlined in Clause 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code, which stipulates that entities involved in the tobacco, electronic cigarette, or alcoholic beverage industries are barred from participating in approved or supported sports events.

Dr Johari emphasized that such events are crucial in inspiring Malaysians to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. The ministry's decision to approve the event came after Carlsberg Malaysia, which had been slated as the official beer partner, withdrew its sponsorship following a disclosure that it had been named as such. The company clarified that despite being part of a regional partnership with Hyrox in Asia, encompassing events in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, it would not extend its sponsorship to the Kuala Lumpur race.