KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 4 -- The Youth and Sports Ministry has threatened to withhold event approval for the upcoming Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 fitness race unless organisers completely cut ties with an alcoholic beverage sponsor.

The ministry issued the ultimatum following public scrutiny over a viral promotional graphic naming a commercial beer brand as the event's "Official Beer Partner". The multi-day fitness competition is scheduled to run from December 10 to 13 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur.

Clarifying that the competition currently lacks legal sanction, the ministry confirmed that the organiser's licence application remains under review and that Putrajaya has neither approved the gathe...