THE volleyball coach who slapped two teenage athletes at a tournament has apologised to the girls and their parents, Malacca executive councillor V.P. Shanmugam said.

The state youth development, sports and non-governmental organisations committee chairman told Bernama that the Malacca Under-14 girls’ volleyball coach had met the parents to apologise for his actions soon after the incident. 

He said it was the first time that Malacca had made it to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship and the coach was “very excited” over the team’s progress before it narrowly lost to Johor. 

“After the game, the coach explained the situation to the technical management, who had also reprimanded him,” he said.

“Following the incident, he met the two players and apologised. The matter was resolved on the day itself. 

“So the matter has been resolved and does not need to be protracted.

“The coach was ‘quite emotional’ as he believed that the girls did not perform to his expectations.” 

Shanmugam said he will be meeting the coach, players, their parents as well as representatives from the Youth and Sports Ministry, National Sports Council and Malacca Volleyball Association on Wednesday. 

Earlier today, the Education Ministry said it will meet the girls’ parents. 

It said in a statement that it is taking the matter seriously and stern action will be taken against the coach if he is found guilty. 

“In a video clip, which has been making its rounds on social media, a coach is seen slapping two female players during the 2022 Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship in Johor last month, drawing the ire of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

The Malaysia Volleyball Association said the coach has been suspended from involvement in all national volleyball activities until investigations are completed. 

It said it will set up an investigative body to look into the incident immediately and will contact related parties for the purpose. – January 2, 2023.