Thomas Kok is a world-class M70 racewalker who was a top 10 finisher at Perth (but was fourth at 2011 Sacramento worlds in M65.) A week ago, he shot a letter to his local paper. He said in part: “Often, at Masters Championships, a considerable number of my fellow masters athletes would pour out their grouses and grievances, especially the lack of moral and financial support from the Sports Ministry. They are naturally envious of the recent Olympians and para-Olympian winners who, of course, deservedly received cash and other material rewards. But, sadly, there’s no recognition for Malaysian Masters Athletics winners who have to train on their own for any competition.” Nice to see the fight being waged on the other side of the world.

Thomas, a school principal, holds Malaysian flag after winning gold recently.

Here’s the whole letter:

I REFER to the StarSport report “Athletes can voice their concerns in two-day OCM forum” (The Star, Dec 6).

A fortnight ago, I had the privilege of taking part in the 30th Malaysian International Open Masters Athletics Championships at Stadium Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.

No less than 500 athletes from 23 countries participated in the Championships, including Colombia, Ireland, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and India. Like all pre­vious competitions, India and Sri Lanka formed the largest contingents of about 100 athletes.

The point I would like to make is that through my participation in sport since my primary school days until now as a master athlete, ha­­ving taken part in nine World Masters Athletics Championships, two World Masters Games and 11 Asia Masters Athletics Championships, I have come to realise that masters athletes are the most neglected lot.

Often, at Masters Championships, a considerable number of my fellow masters athletes would pour out their grouses and grievances, especially the lack of moral and financial support from the Sports Ministry. They are naturally envious of the recent Olympians and para-Olympian winners who, of course, deservedly received cash and other material rewards.

But, sadly, there’s no recognition for Malaysian Masters Athletics winners who have to train on their own for any competition.

Furthermore, although they re­present the country with much pride and honour, they need to beg from friends and companies for sponsorship for their travel, lod­ging and food costs, failing which they have to use their own savings.

A few misinformed sport officials whom I met think these masters championships are mainly for fun and recreation. While it is true to a certain extent, there are, however, also masters athletes who train just as hard as national athletes and they are just as disciplined, dedicated and filled with the desire to win glory and honour for the country.

Anyone who has watched a Masters Athletics Championships will know that the atmosphere of the competition is no different from any other sport meet. In fact, the Masters Athletics Champion­ships are sanctioned by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF).

World masters championships have been held outdoors once every two years since 1975, and a biennial World Masters Indoor Championships debuted in March 2004 in Sindelfingen, Germany. The most recent outdoor world meet was held in Perth two months ago. The next indoor world championships will be in Daegu, South Ko­­rea, from March 19-25, 2017. Then the World Masters Games (multi-sports like the Olympics) will be held in Auckland from April 21-30 with 28,000 participants expected to take part.

Believe me, masters sport is booming, and more masters athletes are getting involved in competitions for health reasons and to represent the country. Current research indicates there is no noticeable decline in physical abilities until about the age of 70 as long as people stay active.

Therefore, the Sports Minister in particular should inspire these masters athletes by giving them incentives and rewards to participate in competitive sports.