THEIR rivals on the dance floor have been removed, leaving the Malaysia Dancesport Federation (MYDF) in an upbeat mood.
MYDF now feel that dancesport in the country is on the right footing as nobody is going to step on their toes.
That's the new tune following the Olympic Council of Malaysia's (OCM) decision to remove MYDF's rival, Malaysia Dancesport Bhd (MDSB) from the umbrella body as an associate member last week. That's because MDSB are no longer recognised by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).
MYDF sports director Chua Zjen Fong said OCM's decision is a "big step" in the right direction for the sport.
"MDSB lost their membership with the international and Asian federations back in 2008," said Zjen Fong.
"MYDF tried multiple times to be an OCM member over the past decade, but despite being a member of WDSF and Dancesport Asia, we still failed due to the existence of MDSB as a member within OCM.
"This is one of the biggest steps OCM have taken to help clear up the root of the confusion and problems within the sport in the country.
Zjen Fong said MYDF's most recent application to become a member of OCM was submitted last year. It is currently being reviewed by the OCM legal committee.
He stressed that being a member of OCM will help to boost the development of the sport in Malaysia. Breaking, one of the disciplines under MYDF, has been included in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Being part of OCM will enable us to send athletes and officials to the Sea Games, Asian Games, Olympics and so on," added Zjen Fong.
"Between 2008 -2019, MYDF were unable to send a full, or rightful, team to multi-sport games as MDSB were still a member of OCM.
"For the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and 2019 Sea Games, a 50-50 team (half selected by MYDF, half by MDSB) was proposed.
"Amid the 50-50 arrangement, MYDF (through break dancer Lego Sam) was able to bring back one gold. This proved to OCM that MYDF's athletes were good.
"One of the turning points was breaking's inclusion for the 2024 Paris Olympics which has made dancesport an Olympic sport.
"This led to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requesting all National Olympic Councils to adopt and recognise the rightful associations that are affiliated to their respective international federations.
"A development programme can now be run hand in hand with the OCM, Education Ministry, National Sports Council and National Sports Institute to develop dancesport in Malaysia."
With the IOC recognising WDSF as the international federation for dancesport, all competitions at multi-sport games will be held under WDSF rules and regulations.
KW: Malaysia Dancesport Federation, Olympic Council of Malaysia, Malaysia Dancesport Berhad, World DanceSport Federation, Chua Zjen Fong
