Badminton championship able to promote Sibu to outsiders

SIBU: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee lauded the World Chinese Badminton Federation (WCBF) in Sibu for organising an international badminton championship in the district.
 
According to Tiang, the championship not only nurtures a close relationship among the members of the federation but also promotes the town to the outside world.
 
Hence, Tiang advised all the players to not only focus on the matches but also take their time to explore the rich culture, food, and heritage within the town.
 
“Not long ago, Agoda listed Sibu as the most affordable tourist destination in Malaysia. I would like to add on to that: Sibu is not only affordable but also very good, especially the food.
 
“I understand that you are only here for three days. Don’t just focus on your badminton matches; spend some time walking around and hunting for the wonderful food that Sibu can offer you. This is the whole meaning of bringing this championship to Sibu,” he said.
 
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, said this in his speech at the Second WCBF’s Badminton Championship welcoming dinner here last night (Aug 25).
 
Meanwhile, Sibu branch WCBF president Ting Wei Ping said that more than 200 badminton players from around the world are participating in the championship, which is being held at Catholic High School here from Aug 25 to 27.
 
He said that the tournament is divided into 17 categories, including groups from Under-39 to a combined age of 140 years or more in doubles, parent and child doubles, and husband and wife doubles.
 
He said only the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Mixed Open categories offer prize money of RM2,000 for the champions and RM1,200 for the runners-up.
 
Winners of the remaining categories will get a racquet, medals, and a certificate of participation.
 
“The objective of this tournament is to provide a platform for badminton lovers to play their game and also to foster a closer rapport among the players from the respective countries,” he said.
 
Also present was Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh.