KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time, the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) will introduce prize money for its domestic competitions.
MAF general manager Nurhayati Karim said a total of RM189,000 is offered for six domestic meets - five Super Series and one Final Super Series.
"The prize money is from our sponsors Cahya Mata Sarawak.
"We are following the concept of World Athletics which has introduced prize money for the Diamond League.
"We are introducing prize money because we are hoping to organise a Diamond League in Malaysia next year.
"MAF is trying to get World Athletics to sanction our six Super Series competitions.
"World Athletics wants us to have prize money in domestic competitions before we can make a bid to organise a Diamond League in our country.
"We are also introducing prize money to encourage more athletes to take up track and field events and also more athletes to compete in domestic competitions.
"The six domestic meets will offer prize money to the top eight athletes in an event. The total prize money per competition is RM31,500.
"After five series, we will have a Super Series final in Sarawak at the end of the year.
"We will start off the Super Series with the Perak Open in Ipoh from May 10-12, followed by the Pahang Open from May 18-19, Malaysian Open in Kuantan from June 14-16, Terengganu Open July 26-28, Kuala Lumpur Open Sept 20-22 and the final Super Series - Sarawak Open from Oct 25-27.
"The top eight athletes will receive cash and points. The gold medallist will receive RM400 and 20 points, silver medallist RM250 and 16 points, third, RM200 (15 points), fourth RM175 (12), fifth RM130 (11), sixth RM80 (10), seventh RM60 (7) and eight RM30 (6).
"There is also prize money for the overall individual winner.
''The total prize money is RM1325 per event. Each Super Series will have 20 events for both men and women.
"We hope the Super Series will encourage national athletes and non-national athletes to compete and do well in their respective events.
"The success of the Super Series will definitely give us the right to organise the Diamond League in Malaysia next year," said Nurhayati.
