The Touch spotlight focuses back on Malaysia for the inaugural Asian Cup

The Taman Ekuestrian facility in Putrajaya will host the Asian Touch Cup between 22-24 September 2023.

Peter Topp, Director of FIT, said, “Given Malaysia’s success in hosting several major international events in 2018 and 2019, we are delighted that the Malaysia Touch Association will host the inaugural Asian Touch Cup.

“The FIT Board is confident in the ability of Touch Malaysia to host the event in Putrajaya, given its experience in hosting the 2018 Youth Touch World Cup and the 2019 Touch World Cup.

“The lessons learned from this event will ensure that the inaugural Asian Touch Cup will be successful.”

Peter added, “FIT also views this tournament as a major pathway event for Asian nations to grow our game in arguably the biggest collective sporting market in the world.”

Wide-ranging government support 

HJ. AHMAD SUFIANI JOHARI, President, Malaysia Touch Association is thrilled with the decision to return elite Touch back to the Putrajaya. 

“Malaysia is very fortunate to have a good facility in Putrajaya and government support that gives practical back-up for the Asian Cup 2023 preparations.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia is serious to ensure the success of the Games with the Honorable Minister himself provided support in writing to Malaysia Touch Association.

According to Mr Sufi, MTA will collaborate with four other ministries: Ministry of Federal Territory (MFT), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) to be part of the organizing committee.

Another plus for Malaysia is its proximity to East Asia, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, which Mr Sufi says will help reduce their travel expenses. Apart from Malaysia, teams from  Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon and Qatar will be invited to compete in the inaugural event.

“MTA will provide our best capabilities to give the best sporting experience to all 14 Asian Touch Nations,” Mr Sufi confirmed.

“We will prioritize our support for our Asian Members to stay under budget and provide our best effort to work responsibly in reducing cost such as free airport transfer, police riders and security, medical support, ambulance, ice, mineral water, contingent holding tents, custom and immigration clearance assistance, free accommodation for referees, and dedicated liaisons to each nation.

“We will work to provide Malaysia's best hospitality. We are ready with structure, logistics and volunteers in place.”

A secretariat for Asian Cup 2023 will be formed at the local level to support FIT in every way possible.

“The proposed date is at the end of dry season and end of Southwest Monsoon and as such this period will be the best climate to play Touch as the weather is less humid and cooler,” says Mr Sufi.

Asian Cup pathway to greater Touch success for Malaysia

The hosting of the 9th Touch Word Cup 2019 and 3rd Youth Touch World Cup 2018 in Putrajaya gave Touch in Malaysia a significant boost, Mr Sufi noted.

“With the Asian Cup 2023 coming to Malaysia, it will expose Malaysia's Touch players to high-level competition more regularly.”

“It will also support our goal of getting Touch into the Malaysia Sports Games, and into the school system.

“Physical activities, curricular activities or sport assessment known as 'Pengtaksiran Aktiviti Jasmani Sukan dan Ko-kurikulum (PAJSK), contribute to a school-based assessment (SBA) that has been used by Ministry of Education (MOE) in public schools in Malaysia. The assessment for Touch can start ASAP.”

Details for the 2023 Asian Touch Cup

Dates: 22nd - 24th September 2023

Location: Malaysia (Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya - PUTRAJAYA)

Divisions: Men's Open, Women's Open, Mixed Open, Senior Mens, Senior Women's and Senior Mixed.

Contact: HJ. AHMAD SUFIANI JOHARI (MR. SUFI), Malaysia Touch Association (MTA)

E: [email protected]

M: +60147253310