WITH more than 70 different topics, ranging from team sports, racquet sports and precision sports to athletics and paralympic sports as well as mind games, just where does one begin when compiling them into a book?

With a volume editor with a passion for sports.

Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid has been chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of The Encyclopedia of Malaysia since 2002.

“I have overseen the publication of eight volumes in the 16 volume series, starting with the Performing Arts,” he said.

The most recent volume is Sports and Recreation.

“I agreed to be volume editor because of my passion for sports.”
Ahmad Sarji was also responsible for the additional write-ups on distinctively traditional Malaysian pastimes in the book.

“This covers the rich diversity of sports and recreational activities in Malaysia, including the wealth of traditional games and pastimes.”

The passion for sports, he says, runs in his blood.

“My father was an avid sportsman. I believe that sports and pastimes are an integral component of the nation’s social fabric and serve as a means for fostering national unity.”

Ahmad Sarji is the current president of the Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation and deputy president of the Malaysian Malay Cricket Association.

“The Badan Warisan Malaysia, which I preside over, has spearheaded the restoration and preservation of two Malaysian sports landmarks — Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara.”

Ahmad Sarji admitted that it was challenging to ensure that all sports and recreational activities represented were presented in an accurate and uniform fashion.

“The Sports and Recreation volume is the contribution of 74 authors, each possessing extensive knowledge and insight about a particular sport or pastime in the country.”

He said the most demanding articles were on sports with long traditions in Malaysia, such as football, hockey and golf because of the extensive research and factual verification involved.

“I researched and wrote two articles on golf. I had to delve into the archives to research the sport’s history in the country. The article on lawn bowls was also written by me,” he said.

Which part was the most satisfying to put together?

“This volume was a labour of love. But, perhaps, the most satisfying article was on Lawn Bowls. I am very proud of the achievements of the nation’s lawn bowlers as well as the sport’s 150-year history in the country. Did you know that lawn bowls was recently accepted as a core sports by the government?

“I also enjoyed the bits that incorporated historical information and rare, archive photographs, many of which were from my personal collection. The articles on soccer, hockey and badminton offer nostalgic memories.”

For a man who was a keen football player in his youth and who enjoyed playing a wide variety of sports throughout his life, Ahmad Sarji today enjoys the opportunity to take part in a round of golf and a game of lawn bowls.

While acknowledging that we owe some of our interest in sports to the British who introduced many sports to the country, Ahmad Sarji said: “Malaysians have an abiding passion for sports which has enabled us to reach the pinnacle of sporting excellence.”

The book will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, not only Malaysians who are active in sports but also those interested in learning about the history of Malaysian sports and the achievements of the nation’s athletes.

“The book will inspire readers to take up new sports and recreational activities and offers invaluable insight to foreign readers who wish to learn more about our indigenous games and pastimes.

“Sports brings out the best in all of us, compelling us to challenge ourselves and work together,” said Ahmad Sarji.