PUTRAJAYA, Nov 11 — They won the world title but little do we know Malaysia’s dodgeball team had to borrow to compete and triumph.

A RM100,000 loan enabled them to go to the World Dodgeball Federation (WDBF) fifth World Championships in Melbourne from Oct 19 to 22.

The loan was well worth the hassle because the Malaysian women emerged champions and the men runners-up.

The sport’s newness and lack of a public profile meant the national association struggle to secure funding and sponsorship.

The Malaysian women’s team are ranked No 1 in the world after defeating Canada 6-5 in the gold medal match in Melbourne.

Their male counterparts are ranked No 2 after losing in sudden death in the final match against Canada.

Malaysia Association of Dodgeball (MAD) president Datuk Samson Maman admitted they were forced to borrow to make ends meet.

Asked whether it’s a personal loan from the bank, Maman revealed it’s money collected from each member of the association, some players and their parents.

"This is not a core sport so we hardly get funding,” said Maman.

"However, because of passion for dodgeball, the members are willing to loan their money and some from their own savings though they might not get their money back.

"I hope and appeal for reimbursement from the sports ministry as we already have a letter from them saying they will pay RM20,000,” said Samson, at the achievement ceremony at the ministry yesterday.

Also present was deputy minister Datuk M. Saravanan.

Asked about the reimbursement, Saravanan said the ministry will help the association.

"The sports ministry will find the best way to help MAD with the costs,” he said.

Meanwhile, women’s captain Chong Hwei Xian admitted the team needed to pay all their expenses.

"For the sake of the sport, I’m willing to pay and it is worth it as now we are the world champions. But I do hope more help will come in the future,” she said.

This sentiment was echoed by vice-captain Kok Wai Lynn who said the team felt relieved this year as they only paid for their meals.

"I’m not sure where they (association) get the funds but we’re a bit relieved this year,” she said.

The "fund” is the RM100,000 loan the association are now struggling to repay.