The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has decided to change the name of the Malaysian International Marathon (MIM) 2015 in order for the run in Penang to go on as planned.
According to the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, the purpose of the decision is to prevent any conflicts with the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF); something that has happened once before.
“Well in our perspective, we do not want any conflicts with them; considering how the MAF is the biggest sports body in the country.” Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar told Kosmo.
“We respect their decision and we will take the initiative to change the name of this marathon.”
The Vice President Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah also told Astro Awani that, since the run is being organised in cooperation with the Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA), there should not be any issues because the PAAA is an associate of the MAF.
In PAAA’s constitution, the association has rights to organise any sports activities within the state.
“If a problem crops up, it will be between the PAAA and MAF. It’s not an issue of sanction but the problem is too much noise. Like I said before, the event is to collect funds for the National Sports Associations,”
In the upcoming marathon, the OCM are offering a total of RM350,000 in terms of prize money with the purpose of supporting associations that are facing financial difficulties.
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