JOHOR BARU: Six Malaysian therapists who won international accolades in Paris last year will compete in the 'Two Unions Massage Championship' in Italy next month.
The masseurs hope to showcase their skills in traditional Malay massage on the world stage.
The team comprises three men and three women in their 30s and 40s who won one gold and three bronze medals at an international massage championship in Paris in May last year.
Malaysian Massage Association chairman Rosmawati Ishak said they would compete against 170 participants from 39 countries in the Italian championship.
The competition features categories including traditional Malay and Asian massage, sports massage, facial massage, Western massage, aesthetic beauty massage, health massage and basic massage.
The team is seeking RM10,000 in sponsorship to cover competition fees, flights and accommodation.
The therapists have financed their participation in previous international competitions themselves and are now appealing for support to represent Malaysia in Italy.
Rosmawati, who will serve as a judge at the championship, said the competition would also provide an opportunity to promote traditional Malay massage to an international audience.
She said massage skills could offer a sustainable source of additional income for both men and women, with trainees coming from various backgrounds, including housewives, physiotherapists, nurses and teachers.
She hoped the team's participation would inspire more people to learn the skills and recognise their potential as a source of income.
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