PETALING JAYA – Kg Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei creates history as the first woman to be elected president of the Selangor Rugby Union (SRU) today.
Yi Wei, who was nominated by the Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (Cobra), won the post uncontested.
The 34-year-old, who has held the Kg Tunku seat since May 2018, said that getting the trust of SRU members was a heavy responsibility to shoulder.
“I’m thankful to Cobra for nominating me. I’m holding this post not as a politician who is looking to elevate myself by taking the helm of a sports association or looking for any glamour associated with being the head of a state sports association.
“(But) I’m here for the love of the sport and will work with my newly elected exco members to take this sport higher in Selangor,” she said at a press conference after the SRU’s annual general meeting today.
The DAP member added that she first got involved in the sport while studying at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2009.
She was pursuing a bachelor of business administration in finance when the university started a rugby club for women in 2010 and Yi Wei was scouted to join it.
The winger played rugby until 2013 and has had some battle scars, which included torn ligaments and a fractured cheekbone after being headbutted by an opposition player during a tackle.
“I was encouraged to run for this post because some feel like I was already doing the job of a president.
“I have helped to get funds by connecting the SRU with the state government, especially the menteri besar and supporting development by organising tournaments.
“Truth be told I’m a bit nervous, but I’m also taking it in my stride. Being here can be an example for other women that you can be involved in sports not only as an athlete but also as an administrator,” she said.
Yi Wei has said she intends to turn Selangor into a powerhouse in rugby and focus on preparation for the Agong’s Cup and reviving the SRU league.
Yi Wei’s term will last for two years until 2026.
Selangor Rugby Union executive committee 2024-2026
President: Lim Yi Wei
Deputy president: Prakash Arikrishnan
Vice president : Datuk Aldillan Anuar
Vice president: Mohd Hafiz Mohd Zaki
Honorary secretary: Tan Thiam Jin
Assistant honorary secretary: Mohd Azri Mardi
Honorary treasurer: Mohd Emran Ibrahim
– February 3, 2024