KUALA LUMPUR – The Road to Gold (RTG) programme committee is set to explore the inclusion of new sports with strong medal potential as part of Malaysia’s push to secure its first-ever Olympic gold medal.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the matter would be among the key topics discussed during the RTG committee meeting on May 19, which will also cover the programme’s budget allocation and long-term direction.
“We need to look at the sporting landscape from a much broader perspective and not remain confined to the same sports year after year. The objective of RTG has always been clear from the very beginning: to deliver Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal.
“So we must be open to evaluating other sports that have the potential to compete at the highest level and produce world-class athletes.
“We want to create more opportunities and ensure deserving sports and athletes are given the platform and support needed to succeed on the Olympic stage,” he said.
Taufiq added that the committee would carefully assess all possibilities to strengthen the programme and ensure Malaysia remains competitive internationally.
“The discussion is not only about adding sports, but also about building a more sustainable and effective elite sports ecosystem.
“We want RTG to evolve according to current realities and future potential, while ensuring every investment made can contribute towards the country’s Olympic ambitions,” he said.
He was speaking after the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony between Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Malaysian Hockey Confederation at the Leo Moggie Convention Centre, TNB Platinum, Bangsar, today.
When asked whether hockey could make a return to the RTG programme, Taufiq said the matter would also be discussed during the upcoming meeting.
Based on the 2025 list of sports and athletes under RTG, only four sports are currently included in the elite programme — badminton, track cycling, weightlifting and squash.
Badminton has the largest pool of athletes with 13 players under the programme, followed by track cycling with two athletes, while weightlifting and squash each have one representative. - May 12, 2026
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