KUALA LUMPUR: The agility displayed by children aged five to nine playing skateboards attracted the attention of visitors at the National Training Week (NTW) 2024, held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium today. Particularly captivating was the performance of Ammar Bakhtiar Nikko Budi Bucktiar, 9, and his friends, who showcased impressive maneuvers in a skateboard clinic organised by Malaysia Skateboard Lesson. Currently ranked third nationally in skateboarding for under-16s, Ammar Bakhtiar expressed his fascination with the sport despite its perceived risks. "I saw others skateboarding one day and decided to try it. It was tough at first, but I practice every day after school," said the third of four siblings. His mother, Suryanti Abd Rahman, 38, said she never discouraged Ammar Bakhtiar and his five-year-old brother's interest in skateboarding and would provide full support if they participated in any competition. 'I choose competitions for them based on their skills," said Suryanti. Mohd Zamri Mohd Ramli , a skateboard clinic coach and former national head coach, noted the positive reception during NTW 2024 and aims to expand the sport further in the country. "While skateboarding has gained Olympic recognition since its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, its popularity locally still needs nurturing," he said. He said the children at this workshop are enthusiastic, but access to practice spaces is limited. 'Our goal at NTW is to expose them to opportunities, leveraging our training centres,' he said, adding that with training, they hope to cultivate talent from a young age, grooming them to represent the country at the Olympics. Mohd Zamri, also a skateboard sports judge with the Malaysian Olympic Council, emphasised inclusivity in their training approach, accommodating participants as young as three years old. -- BERNAMA Source: BERNAMA News Agency