KUALA LUMPUR – Newly elected Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) deputy president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad has urged all national sports associations (NSAs) to step up their development efforts if Malaysia is to realise its dream of securing its first Olympic gold.
Nur Azmi, who is also president of the Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf), made the appeal after comfortably winning the OCM deputy presidency with 70 votes, defeating Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation chief Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, who received 20.
He takes over from Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, the Football Association of Malaysia president, who opted not to defend his post for the 2025–2029 term.
Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, meanwhile, retained the OCM presidency for a third consecutive term.
Speaking after the OCM’s 44th annual general assembly, Nur Azmi said the time had come for NSAs to focus on serious, long-term planning to nurture future talent.
“I want all NSAs to adopt the kind of development programmes implemented by Makaf. They need to start drafting long-term plans to nurture talent for the future of the nation,” he said.
“We must plan four years ahead. It has to be a comprehensive, long-term strategy, and all NSAs must work diligently to realise our Olympic gold medal dream.
“The Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council have been doing their part. As the OCM, we act as a mediator and guardian for the NSAs – and we must do our part in educating, guiding, and ensuring that everyone is aligned.”
Nur Azmi, who also serves as vice president of the Asean Karate Federation, was instrumental in establishing the National Karate Centre in Jasin, Melaka, which is slated to open next month.
“If we can work together, we can definitely turn that dream into reality. This will be my main focus now that I’ve been elected deputy president.”
The 64-year-old added that he was committed to working closely with Norza and the rest of the OCM leadership.
“I am aware of my position, and I fully respect the president. We will work as a team. If we lose, we lose together. If we win, we win together. This position is not just a title—it carries great responsibility.
“I will support the president and be on the ground with him, working closely with the new OCM management and all sports associations.”
Reflecting on his campaign, Nur Azmi pointed to his track record as Chef de Mission for the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi –an experience he said proved his ability to lead under pressure.
Held amid the challenges of post-Covid recovery, the games tested the country’s preparation and athlete management systems.
“In truth, this victory wasn’t easy. I am a former OCM vice president, and perhaps what gave me an edge was my role as CDM in Hanoi. I managed to overcome many post-Covid issues and movement restrictions.
“But I only had two months to identify targets. Perhaps my approach and work ethic gave people confidence in me.
“That may be one of the reasons the associations supported me in this election—they saw that I’m capable of getting the job done.”
Under his leadership, Malaysia finished sixth in the overall standings at the Hanoi SEA Games, returning with 39 gold, 45 silver and 89 bronze medals. – April 20, 2025