SKATEBOARD SPECIALTIES FOR KIDS TO CATCH ATTENTION AT NTW 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) – The agility of children aged five to nine playing skateboards caught the attention of visitors during the National Training Week (NTW) 2024 held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.

Particularly captivating was the performance of 9-year-old Ammar Bakhtiar Nikko Budi Bucktiar and his friends, who showed impressive maneuvers during a skateboarding clinic organized by Malaysia Skateboard Lesson.

Currently ranked third nationally in under-16 skateboarding, Ammar Bakhtiar expressed his fascination with the sport despite the perceived risks.

“One day I saw others skateboarding and decided to try it. It was hard at first, but I practice every day after school,” said the third of four siblings.

His mother, Suryanti Abd Rahman, 38, said she never discouraged Ammar Bakhtiar and his five-year-old brother’s interest in skateboarding and would offer them full support if they took part in any competition.

“I choose matches for them based on their skills,” Suryanti said.

Mohd Zamri Mohd Ramli, skateboard clinic coach and former national head coach, noted the positive reception at NTW 2024 and wants to expand the sport further in the country.

“While skateboarding has gained Olympic recognition since its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, its popularity still needs to be nurtured locally,” he said.

He said the children at this workshop are enthusiastic, but access to practice areas is limited.

“Our aim at NTW is to give them opportunities, by using our training centres,” he said, adding that through training from a young age they hope to cultivate talent and prepare them to represent the country at the Olympics.

Mohd Zamri, who is also a skateboard sports judge at the Malaysian Olympic Council, emphasized inclusivity in their training approach, which accommodated participants from three years old.

— BERNAMA

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