Malaysia’s national karate coach, Sharmendran, has been officially appointed as the spokesperson for the Malaysian Athlete Career and Education (MACE) initiative by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufiq Johari. This appointment was announced during the launch of the MyAthlete Centre, marking a significant milestone in Sharmendran’s career with the national team.
Expressing his gratitude on social media, Sharmendran emphasized his commitment to addressing long-standing misconceptions about pursuing sports as a full-time profession. As a former athlete turned national coach under the Malaysian Karate Federation, he highlighted the critical need for structured career and education pathways for athletes, ensuring they have the support to thrive both on and off the field.
What is MACE?
The Malaysian Athlete Career and Education (MACE) initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to enhancing athlete welfare. It aims to ensure that national athletes are supported not only in their sporting performance but also in their personal development, education, financial literacy and post-retirement career transitions.
Launched in conjunction with the MyAthlete Centre, MACE plays a key role in providing holistic services to athletes. The MyAthlete Centre, described as the first facility in Malaysia, serves as a dedicated hub for athletes’ wellbeing.
Notably, Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufiq Johari mentioned that the MyAthlete Centre operates under the concept of “For Athletes, By Athletes,” as it is managed by national athletes themselves. This approach ensures that the needs and concerns of athletes are understood from lives experiences.
According to Taufiq Johari, the launch of the centre and signing the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with strategic partners, reflect the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ commitment to strengthen the nation’s sports ecosystem. With major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games on the line, the launch of MACE and the MyAthlete Centre comes at a crucial times.
Source: Sharmendran Instagram
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