M'SIA GIVEN HONOUR TO HOST ASIAN MASTERS ATHLETICS C'SHIPS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been given the honour of
hosting the prestigious 2010 Asia Masters Athletics Championships at the
National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, from Dec 6-12.

This will be the second time Malaysia has been given the host job, after
successfully hosting the 1990 edition which saw 1,024 athletes from nine
countries taking part.

According to Malaysian Masters Athletics Association (MMAA) Honorary
Secretary and the Asia Masters Athletics Championships competition director S.
Sivapragasam, all 24 countries affiliated to the Asia Masters Athletics (AMA)
association would be taking part in the championships.

"It is indeed a great honour for MMAA and Malaysia to be given the host job.
We hope to stage the championships successfully so as to uphold Malaysia's
credibility as a capable host.

"We strongly believe that this championships will be a platform to spread
the spirit of goodwill and solidarity among former athletes as well as provide a
competitive competition for ex-international athletes to showcase their talent,"
said Sivapragasam after launching the event here Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek in
his message expressed gratitude to all Asian countries for having shown
confidence in selecting Malaysia as the host for the championships.

"Such championships will certainly keep masters athletes fit and healthy. We
all believe in the saying "A healthy mind is in a healthy body". Furthermore, it
provides a good opportunity for those who had been prominent athletes in the
past, to meet their old friends and exchange views on and off the competition
arena," said Ahmad Shabery.

The championships will feature 25 men's and women's events for 13 age
groups, ranging from 35 to 99.

Men and women born on or before Dec 8, 1970 are eligible to participate in
the competition.

The championships, sanctioned by AMA, is organised by the MMAA with support
from the Ministry of Youth and sports.

Sivapragasam said Malaysia has targetted 35 golds in the championships, 12
golds more than their previous feat in Chiang Mai, Thailand two years ago.
-- BERNAMA