Asian Games eFootball silver medallists to receive cash reward

KUALA LUMPUR: Asian Games eFootball silver medallists Farish Luzman and Hariz Hazmi Hakimin will receive a performance incentive worth about half of the RM20,000 awarded to gold medallist Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) president Naim Al Amin Saharudin said.

Naim said MESF had initially promised an incentive only for gold medallists, but wanted to recognise Farish-Hariz's efforts in representing Malaysia.

Farish-Hariz took silver after losing 4-2 on aggregate to Iran in the final, surpassing MESF's original bronze medal target.

"We had promised it only for gold medallists. However, they worked hard to carry Malaysia's name on the international stage, so we will also give them a reward," Naim said to reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Thursday.

Asked how much they would receive, Naim said it would possibly be half of Taj Izrin's incentive, though he did not specify whether the duo would share that amount.

Naim also said MESF plans to launch a professional eFootball league in Malaysia after discussions with local teams and game publisher Konami.

He said the league, which does not yet have a launch date, would provide regular competition and help identify players capable of representing the country internationally.

Farish, 18, said a domestic league would help Malaysian players keep pace with regional rivals.

"Thailand and Indonesia already have proper leagues for professional eFootball players. We want the same so we can compete with stronger players, especially Iran, whom we just lost to," Farish said.

He added that Malaysia has a large pool of interested players, including schoolchildren, but needs more organised tournaments to develop them.

Hariz, 23, urged organisers to give the console version of eFootball more attention, noting that opportunities for young console players have dwindled since the event was omitted from this year's Sukma in Selangor after being included in the 2024 edition.

"I hope more parties will take notice of the console category after our silver medal and organise more console tournaments. That will help bring forward young talent in the future," Hariz added.