Enhancing English Communication Skills Among Terengganu Athletes for Sports Engagement

This study explores the critical role of English communication skills in enhancing the global competitiveness of Terengganu athletes. English proficiency is essential for effective communication in international sports, impacting strategic understanding, media engagement, and team coordination. Despite their physical excellence, many Terengganu athletes face challenges in speaking and writing English, which undermines their performance and career prospects. The mixed-method approach employed a survey to assess proficiency across speaking, listening, reading, and writing and interviews with coaches and managers to contextualize the findings. Results revealed moderate proficiency in listening and reading but significant gaps in speaking and writing, with female athletes generally outperforming males. Team sport athletes exhibited lower language proficiency than their individual sport counterparts, reflecting differing interaction dynamics. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating tailored language training into sports programs, leveraging role-play scenarios and technology-driven tools for accessible, context-specific learning. Improved English skills will enable athletes to excel in international environments, enhancing Malaysia’s reputation in global sports. These findings serve as a foundation for policymakers and sports organizations to address language disparities and create inclusive, sustainable solutions for athlete development. Future study should evaluate the long-term impact of such interventions on athletes’ careers and the broader sports ecosystem.