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National sports policy to be revamped

KEMAMAN: The National Sports Policy will be revamped to make sports less dependent on the government and turn it into an industry.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the revamped policy would go before the Cabinet committee on Sept 8.

He said the policy was aimed at improving the achievement of athletes and sports and to meet the needs of a new generation.

"Previously, our focus was on building infrastructure and winning medals but now we want to turn sports into an industry which can create jobs.

"This will need more private sector involvement," he said when breaking fast at Kemasik near here Saturday night.

Shabery cited the United States as a good business model as its sports industry generated a revenue of US1 trillion annually with ticket sales of US300 million annually.

"One good example is Manchester United Football Club which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It did not become strong because of the government," he said. - Bernama