MGF’s two-age category proposal raises questions over SEA Games medal strategy

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) has proposed introducing two age categories for rhythmic gymnastics at next year’s SEA Games, a move that could give Malaysia a greater opportunity to secure medals on home soil. Sources from the sports fraternity said the proposal had been submitted to the SEA Games Committee ahead of the 2027 edition, which Malaysia will host. It is understood that MGF has proposed under-15 and under-16 categories for the event, with the move aimed at giving Malaysia greater room to field younger gymnasts. The sources claimed the proposal could also give Malaysia an advantage against several rising powerhouse nations in Southeast Asia, which have become increasingly competitive in rhythmic gymnastics. However, the proposal would still need to be approved by the SEA Games Committee before any changes are made to the competition format. Speaking to Scoop, MGF president Kau Git Kaur confirmed that the federation had proposed introducing two age categories for rhythmic gymnastics at next year’s SEA Games. “It is true that we have proposed introducing two age categories for rhythmic gymnastics at the 2027 SEA Games. This is part of our strategic planning,” Kau said. It was reported that MGF is targeting 12 gold medals in gymnastics at the 2027 SEA Games, with the haul expected to help Malaysia reach the 100-gold milestone in gymnastics at the biennial Games. Kau said MGF’s immediate consideration was also to ensure sufficient participation for the rhythmic gymnastics event to go ahead, with at least four countries required to enter. “I am not in a position to provide detailed information at this time, but MGF’s primary consideration is to ensure that enough countries (at least four) enter the event, as the competition can only proceed with a minimum number of participating nations,” he said. Kau’s response comes amid questions over Malaysia’s approach to the development of rhythmic gymnastics, particularly after the country did not send athletes to this year’s World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. Sports analysts have questioned whether Malaysian gymnasts are receiving enough exposure to major international competitions, especially with rhythmic gymnastics regarded as part of the country’s high-performance sports programme. Kau said there were several factors involved in MGF’s planning but declined to reveal details of its strategy. “There are many factors. If you truly understand sports, you will find that sometimes being altruistic is also the best way to benefit yourself. I cannot disclose the tactical plan,” he said. He added that exposing younger athletes to major multi-sport games at an early stage could benefit their development. “Allowing young athletes to be exposed to major multi-sport games at an early stage gives them more experience, and there are many benefits in various aspects,” he said. Kau said he would need to discuss the other questions raised by Scoop with the federation’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Chairman Petrina Low Lai Hun before providing further answers. The proposed categories come as analysts call for a clearer long-term development pathway for rhythmic gymnastics, including stronger grassroots programmes, earlier talent identification and greater exposure to international competition. They have also warned that Malaysia could lose ground to regional rivals if its talent development programme is not strengthened. With Malaysia set to host the 2027 SEA Games, the final decision on MGF’s proposal will be closely watched, particularly given its potential impact on the country’s medal prospects in rhythmic gymnastics. - September 3, 2026 The post MGF’s two-age category proposal raises questions over SEA Games medal strategy appeared first on Scoop .