PUTRAJAYA, October 15 2026, Newly appointed National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Arrifin Mohd Ghani aims to sustain Malaysia’s recent sporting achievements by strengthening athlete development and preparations for upcoming international competitions.
Arrifin, who assumed office today, said he would retain the existing structure for now while identifying areas that could be improved to enhance the performance of national athletes.
He said his previous experience as Sports Commissioner would help him strengthen preparations and ensure athletes received the necessary support to compete at the highest level.
“We will continue the momentum from our success at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, insya-Allah, and strive to improve further. Our next major event is the SEA Games next year. As hosts, we do not just hope to win, but to win convincingly,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the handover of the Jalur Gemilang to the Malaysian contingent for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games at the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) Tower.
On preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games, Arrifin said the Road to Gold (RTG) programme could be reviewed to ensure elite athletes received adequate support and opportunities to achieve their targets.
He stressed the importance of focusing resources on athletes with strong medal potential rather than spreading support too thinly.
“We must recognise that we do not have 100 super-elite athletes. When we have 20 or 30, we need to take good care of them,” he said.
Arrifin added that administrators must provide athletes with opportunities to develop and ensure they were fully prepared to deliver their best performances at the Olympics.
Earlier, the ministry announced a portfolio exchange between Arrifin and Jefri Ngadirin, who has taken over as Sports Commissioner, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and the national sports ecosystem.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the restructuring followed discussions involving the NSC Board and the ministry’s senior management, dismissing suggestions that it was an abrupt or unilateral decision.
He said the changes were intended to place both officials in roles suited to their respective experience and expertise, without reducing their responsibilities.
The restructuring is also aimed at strengthening sports administration and improving Malaysia’s preparations for the 2027 SEA Games, which the country will host.
-BERNAMA
