KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg urged the World Badminton Federation (WBF) and Badminton Federation of Malaysia (BAM) to continue to support Sarawak’s bid to host many more international badminton tournaments in the near future.
He said Sarawak already has world standard sporting venues and facilities, especially in Kuching, including the newly built RM3-million Multi-Purpose Arena in Petra Jaya.
It was specially built for the event by transforming the
Lawn Bowls Arena into 20 badminton courts and the multi-purpose venue would be ideal for hosting multi-sports events in future.
“With world standard sporting venues and facilities available in Sarawak, it is our sincere hope that the WBF and BAM would continue to support Sarawak’s bid to host more international badminton championships in the near future,” said the chief minister,” at a welcoming dinner for officials and participants of the 26th World’s Masters Badminton Championship here Friday night.
If given the opportunity, he said Sarawak would prove its capability of organising international standard events.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government was grateful to the World Chinese Badminton Federation for their tremendous commitment to hold the auspicious event here.
“It is indeed an honour for Sarawak to be given the opportunity to host this 26th World Masters Badminton Championships which attracted almost 2,000 participants from 20 countries,” said the chief minister.
Saying that hosting an international sporting event required months of preparation and thorough planning, Abang Johari said it was a milestone for Kuching to be given recognition to host this years’ championship.
“I know it wasn’t an easy task but the organising committee have worked very hard and made it a successful event.”
He added that hosting the championship here would help to further boost the interest and development of badminton in Sarawak among young players.
He said it was also an occasion for local badminton enthusiasts to witness former world class players like Taufik Hidayat, Tan Boon Keong, Koo Kean Keat, Bobby Ertanto in action here.
He thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak, related government agencies, NGOs, the organising,and working committee members, officials, players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters and all those involved in one way or another to ensure the success and smooth running of the championship.
“Without everyone’s contributions, sacrifice and assistance this tournament would not have been possible,” said the chief minister.
