The Women Sports and Fitness Foundation Malaysia (WSFFM) executive director, Dr Shamala Subramaniam, said that it was an increase of over 700 from the inaugural Games held two years ago.
“We certainly did not expect such a huge turnout, especially when there are more individual sports this year,” she said at the official launch of the TV commercial and theme song for the Games here yesterday.
The 2005 Games programme had aquatics, athletics, badminton, bowling, football, gymnastics, hockey, squash and netball. The upcoming edition will have athletics, beach volleyball, kayak, chess, golf, lawn bowls, netball, sepaktakraw, silat, table tennis, triathlon and weightlifting.
“We are certainly delighted with the response and this augurs well for the future of the Games,” said Shamala.
The function was officiated by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who initiated the Games two years ago.
“Women play an important role in Malaysian sports. At the Doha Asian Games, 65% of our medal winners were female,” said Azalina.
“That is why the National Women’s Games is such an important event.
“It will allow us to unearth more new talent.
“This is another reason for us not allowing national athletes – junior or senior – to compete.” – Bernama