Annastasia Karen Raj has suggested that Malaysia Athletics work with the Education Ministry, and the Youth and Sports Ministry, to make it compulsory for schools to organise racewalking competitions.
The former champion, who now works in a bank as head of human resources, said school-level walking events would help Malaysia discover new talent.
“We can start by having 3km events for primary schools, and 5km to 10km in secondary schools,” said Annastasia, who competed at the 1996 Olympics.
“Schools already organise cross-country running competitions, so why not walking events? It’s easier to organise and less strenuous on a child’s body.
“If Malaysia Athletics works with the relevant ministries, we stand a better chance of unearthing new talent. Imagine the impact we can make if we start teaching proper racewalking techniques to young children.”
Annastasia, who broke the national 10km record 13 times in four years, said she hopes to one day contribute more actively to athletics in Malaysia.
“I would love to go into coaching, but that requires 100 per cent commitment. Right now, I’m focused on my career. Two of my three children are in university, and the third is not far off,” she said.
“Maybe in a few years I’ll consider coaching. I remember how dedicated my coach, V. Subramaniam, was – always analysing and preparing training schedules. Athletics was his life, and it was time-consuming. For now, I help however I can.”
One way she is helping is by promoting walking through her participation in ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2025’ at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 29.
Organised by the National Press Club Malaysia, and supported and sanctioned by the Federal Territories Athletics Association (FTAA), Jom Jalan with NPC 2025 aims to promote walking among the public and unearth new racewalking talent.
The event is divided into two categories: a 10km competitive race walk with several subcategories, and a 5km fun walk.
The 10km race walk includes Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Boys’ and Girls’ (aged 13-17). The fun walk is open to all.
With a lack of racewalking events and champions in recent years, it is hoped that Jom Jalan with NPC will help identify and nurture future stars.
Online registration is now open. To register, visit:
https://checkpointspot.asia/event/Jom-Jalan-with-NPC-2025
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/108273/jom-jalan-with-npc-2025
https://www.racexasia.com/event/jom-jalan-with-npc-2025-npcr25
