KUCHING: The 16th Sri Santubong Open Doubles Petanque Tournament – Piala Landas PSPBK 2024 is more than just a sporting event.
“This tournament isn’t just about competition; it’s about connecting with players from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and learning from each other,” said Harriz Hamzah Drahman, a dedicated player from the Batu Kawa Boules Club.
At 35, Harriz, who works at Tabung Baitulmal Batu Kawa, has honed his skills through numerous tournaments.
“I’ve been in about eight tournaments so far,” he said.
Though relatively new to petanque, having started just 2-3 years ago, Harriz’s passion is evident.
“We used to play in the office,” he recalled.
“The Batu Kawa office has a court where we would play after work. That’s how our interest in petanque started,” he told Sarawak Tribune at the Sarawak Petanque Centre in Kampung Santubong today (Nov 23).
This casual introduction led to a deeper involvement, with Harriz and his colleagues now competing in regional tournaments.
Some of their teams have even advanced to the next rounds of the current competition.
While acknowledging the ups and downs of tournament play, Harriz remains optimistic.
“Some teams have made it to the next round, while others got eliminated. But it’s all part of the experience, and it helps us grow as players,” he said.
Looking ahead, Harriz is eager to continue his petanque journey.
Petanque players showcase their skills, drawing talent from across the region.
“If there are no obstacles, I will definitely participate in future events. I really enjoy playing, and it’s a great way to stay active and connected with fellow players,” he added.
The tournament, which runs from Nov 23 to Nov 24 at the Sarawak Petanque Centre in Kampung Santubong, is attracting players from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
This prestigious event offers both experienced and emerging talents a chance to compete on an international stage.
