This year’s tournament in Hong Kong is the first time Malaysia will participate in the IKF AOKC, following its representation at the equivalent youth tournament in 2011 in Adelaide and the IKF Asian Korfball Championship last year.

Like many other international korfballers, Malaysia’s national players have overcome financial challenges to represent their country. Korfball his not officially recognised by the Ministry of Sport and Youth and the Sport Council of Malaysia. Players are therefore left to raise their own funds, through savings, sponsorship and loans from family and friends.

Technically, Malaysia has benefited from the assistance of Chinese Taipei korfball maestro and President of IKF Asia Inglish Huang, who visited for a five-day training camp in June, adding to Malaysia’s eight month programme.

Ranging in age from 16 to 30 years old, Malaysia’s korfballers are based in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. All shifted to korfball from basketball, encouraged by their coaches and senior team mates Wai-Fun Lau Yuet-Ngor Chew and Wai-Sim Lau, who also have basketball backgrounds.

The 2014 IKF AOKC will be a springboard for the country’s development, as Malaysian Korfball Association president Jungle Lim Chee Yong explains:

“These players will be Malaysian korfball’s leaders, team managers, coaches, referees, trainers, promoters, supporters, sponsors and others in the future. They are going to help train young and talented children to become high performance korfballers.

“Our vision is to introduce, develop and promote korfball to Malaysia’s multi race society, including Malay, Indian, Chinese, Iban, Kadazan, Murud, Bajau, Mah Meri, Temuan and others.”