Futsal has potential to become main sport in Malaysia Courtesy: www.utusan.com.myFutsal has potential to become main sport in Malaysia... In KUALA LUMPUR, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said futsal has the potential to become a main sport in the country as it has been getting very good response from the people.
"Even though it is seen as a new sport, it has started to be accepted by all regardless race, age or gender. People in the rural areas have also started taking up the sport," he said at the opening of "Futsal World", an abandoned factory turned arena in Balakong, Kajang near here Saturday.
His speech was read out by Youth and Sport Department director-general Datuk Raja Roslan Raja Samah.
"Aside from being able to mould a healthy younger generation, the sport can also help identify new talents for the nation's football arena. I am confident that Malaysia can bring forth famous football stars if futsal is given continued attention," Hishammuddin said.
He said several world football stars and legends like Pele, Zico, Ronaldo, Denilson and Roberto Carlos had started with futsal before participating seriously in football.
Privately-run Futsal World, which has three arenas, features one with an artificial turf from Canada called "Fieldturf". It is only one of four arenas in the country to do so.
In a later press conference, Raja Roslan said the ministry always welcomed the participation of private companies in promoting sports in the country.
He said such work by private companies could be seen as a social contribution to the society.
