With a festival atmosphere, thrilling aerial displays, and a host of ground-level activities, including the lighthearted paper plane tournament, Malaysia’s first Air Sports Championship is shaping up to be much more than just a competition. It’s a chance to inspire a new generation of air sports enthusiasts and position the country as a rising star in the field.
Kuala Lumpur – The air around MAEPS Serdang is already buzzing with excitement as Malaysia prepares to host its first Air Sports Championship next week. The three-day event, running from 11 October, is more than just a debut on the national air sports scene — it’s a statement of Malaysia’s intent to become a regional leader in the field by 2027.
The event is set to bring the skies of Selangor alive, not just with competitive flyers but with activities that promise to thrill both seasoned pilots and curious spectators. Mohamad Fadzli Abd Aziz, Deputy President of the Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF), calls it a “new frontier” for Malaysia, which is seeking to grow its influence on the international air sports circuit.
The Championship will follow the Malaysia Air Sports Festival, a four-day celebration of all things aerial, which kicks off on 10 October. The festival and championship aim to introduce air sports to a broader audience, demystifying a discipline that’s often seen as niche.
Air Sports for Everyone
One of the standout features of the festival will be the hands-on experiences offered to visitors. Far from being an event exclusively for the elite few, the festival encourages public participation. Want to feel the wind rushing past you in a two-seater plane? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of floating above the treetops in a hot air balloon? Both are on offer. There’s also the drone racing for those more comfortable with their feet on the ground but eager to try their hand at piloting—albeit remotely.
Visitors are not just limited to watching from the sidelines. Organisers are keen to bring air sports to the masses, with activities like paramotoring, skydiving, and helicopter rides scheduled to dazzle attendees. The event hopes to show that air sports isn’t just for daredevils or professionals, but can be enjoyed by all Malaysians.
A paper plane tournament, a unique addition to the event, invites children and adults alike to test their folding and flying skills in a playful competition that brings everyone into the fun of flight, regardless of experience.
“We want people to experience the exhilaration of air sports firsthand,” says Fadzli. “It’s about breaking down barriers and making this sport accessible.”
A Festival Atmosphere
While the skies will be packed with action, the ground will offer plenty of entertainment, too. *Food stalls, souvenir booths, and live performances by local artists will add to the festival atmosphere, making it as much a family day out as an air sports showcase. The food festival, which runs alongside the air events, is also a platform for local entrepreneurs to promote their culinary creations to the expected 50,000-plus visitors.
Project Director Khairol Aswaz Datuk Kamaruddin believes this dual-purpose event offers local vendors a golden opportunity to market their products to a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.
Focus on Safety
With high-flying stunts and complex aerial maneuvers, safety is top of mind. Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang, the event’s Operational and Safety Advisor, emphasises that meticulous planning has gone into ensuring all activities are carried out under strict safety protocols. From airspace use applications to continuous monitoring of flight zones, the organizers have left no stone unturned.
“The safety of both participants and spectators is our utmost priority,” says Nawawi. “We’ve undertaken extensive risk assessments and have a team on standby to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.”
Vision for the Future
This first-of-its-kind championship comes at a time when air sports in Malaysia are poised for rapid growth. The collaboration between MSAF and the Ministry of Youth and Sports is a strategic move aimed at positioning Malaysia as a key player in Asia’s air sports scene. Organizers are already eyeing the country’s future role as a hub for international competitions, with a goal of solidifying its place on the global air sports map by 2027.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a packed schedule, with activities ranging from aeromodelling displays and delta wing flights to exhibitions showcasing the latest in air sports technology. For those looking to dip their toes into the sport, there are public participation zones inviting visitors to take part in “Mari Mencuba” (Come and Try) sessions.
With the festival atmosphere, thrilling aerial displays, and a host of ground-level activities, including the lighthearted paper plane tournament, Malaysia’s first Air Sports Championship is shaping up to be much more than just a competition. It’s a chance to inspire a new generation of air sports enthusiasts and position the country as a rising star in the field. – NMH
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