KUCHING: In July next year, Kuching will host the World Chinese Badminton Federation (WCBF) Junior Championship, and it will be the first time the event is held outside of China and Taiwan.
According to the press release, it will be organised by the Kuching Badminton Association (KBA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, as well as the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development.
The championship will bring together about 1,100 young badminton players from different countries, including China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan.
KBA president Dr. Ong Kong Swee said that the event is essential for positioning Kuching as a sports tourism hub for Sarawak.
Dr. Ong also emphasised how vital this championship is in providing valuable opportunities and exposure to local badminton players.
Participants, he said, will have the chance to compete with players from other countries, fostering friendship and unity among nations from a young age.
In the most recent WCBF Junior Championship held in Xiamen, China, there were 1,100 participants from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia from July 20 to 24. The Sarawak contingent, represented by the KBA, achieved several successes during the competition.
Benjamin David Achil Griffin and Chrysolius Patricain Jegai Chrysostom secured the runner-up position in the boys’ doubles (under 17). Clarence Ling De Xun (boys’ singles under 10) and Wynn Ong Yi Xe (boys’ singles under 13) partnered with Chinese players and qualified for the quarterfinals in the boys’ doubles under 13. Brian Kong Zhe (boys’ singles under 17) also qualified for the quarterfinals in his respective category. The rest of the players successfully progressed to the second round stage in their respective age group categories.
