THE Penang government, through the Chief Minister’s Office, will allocate RM80,000 to upgrade Padang MPKK Taman Supreme in Perai, which will also serve as the official training ground and home venue for the Penang Indian Football Club.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during an appreciation dinner for the Penang Indian Football Club at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya this evening.
Congratulating the club on its remarkable achievement, Chow praised the team’s outstanding debut campaign after emerging as champions of the FAM Women’s League Division 1 2026.
“On behalf of the Penang government, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Penang Indian Football Club family for winning the FAM Women’s League Division 1 2026 title in their very first appearance.
“Even more impressive was the team’s historic triumph after defeating Perlima United FC 3-2 in the final at the PKNS Sports Complex in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, on June 28.
“This success did not happen by chance. It was the result of careful planning, consistent training, and the unwavering commitment of the players, coaches, club management, parents, volunteers and sponsors,” Chow said in his speech.
Also present were Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who is also the Perai assemblyman, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, and Penang Indian Football Club president S. Sri Sangar.
Meanwhile, Sundarajoo expressed his appreciation to Chow for approving the much-needed financial assistance.
He said the club requires a dedicated training facility and home ground to enable consistent training sessions and to host matches more effectively.
“In my capacity as the Perai assemblyman, I have identified Padang MPKK Taman Supreme as a suitable venue. Although the field has undergone minor upgrading works previously, it still requires more comprehensive improvements.
“My plan is to place the field under the management of the MPKK Taman Supreme while allowing the Penang Indian Football Club to use it as its official training ground and home venue. This will provide better facilities for hosting matches and attract stronger teams to compete, ultimately raising the club’s level of competitiveness.
“Together with the club’s leadership, we have identified upgrading works estimated to cost RM100,000.
“The proposed improvements include levelling the field, planting new grass, installing floodlights and providing other essential facilities to support training and more competitive matches,” he said.
Sundarajoo also thanked Chow for his RM80,000 contribution towards this initiative.
Speaking at the event, Sri Sangar said the Penang Indian Football Club was established in 2018 with a clear mission of developing women’s football while providing every young girl with the opportunity to play the sport regardless of her background.
“Since our establishment, we have operated our football academy free of charge. We do not impose any fees because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams without being limited by her family’s financial circumstances.
“Today, the club has nearly 80 female players across various age groups, with most of them coming from Perai and the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency.
“Our mission goes beyond producing footballers. We aim to nurture discipline, personal excellence, teamwork and leadership qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives,” he said.
Sri Sangar acknowledged that the club’s journey over the past eight years had been far from easy.
“We have faced numerous challenges, including inadequate training facilities, financial constraints and the constant struggle to secure sponsorship.
“However, thanks to the dedication of our players, coaches, volunteers, parents and supporters, we have continued to move forward and achieve what many thought was impossible,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis