SIBU: Malaysia’s badminton prowess now stands shoulder to shoulder with the giants of the sport, China and Indonesia, according to Global Chinese Badminton Federation executive vice-president and secretary-general Zhuo Shijie.
“Malaysia has risen significantly in the international badminton arena.
“Hence, we believe that this championship, involving participants from various countries, is a great initiative not only to enhance sportsmanship while competing but also to strengthen relationships between the countries.”
He said this at a press conference after officiating the Sarawak Invitational Masters Badminton Championship 2024, organised by the World Chinese Badminton Federation Sibu Badminton Club (WCBF Sibu) at Catholic High School here on Friday (July 5).
Echoing Zhuo’s sentiment, consul general of the Republic of Indonesia, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, noted that about 40 badminton players from Indonesia are participating in the competition.
“The presence of legendary badminton players such as Bobby Ertanto Kurniawan and others will also attract players and crowds to the tournament,” he added.
He noted that Sibu town is a significant venue due to the close relationship between the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Singkawang City.
Meanwhile, WCBF Sibu president Ting Wei Ping said that there are six participants in the Sarawak Invitational Masters Badminton Championship 2024 aged over 80 years old, and their willingness to participate and travel all the way to Sibu was greatly appreciated.
When asked about the reason why all the players enthusiastically participate in the tournament given their age, Ting said that the comradeship between him, who is also a former Malaysian badminton player, and the participants is one of the reasons.
“I have known most of them for 10 to 15 years, so when we invite them, they come to support. This is among the reasons besides Sibu town being famous for cheap and nice delicacies,” he added.
He also stressed that the nature of the competition, which enables all the players to compete among people according to their age categories, creates fair competition between them and enhances their abilities.
“Younger players will compete with those in their age categories, while those in their 80s will compete with those of the same age. Hence, this is a fair match where you can show your skill,” he added.
The tournament, which runs until July 7, offers a total prize money of RM90,000.
A total of 536 participants from Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States are participating in the tournament, featuring 59 categories and 1,072 matches to be completed in three days.
Also present were executive vice-president cum secretary-general of Global Chinese Badminton Federation Yuan Minkang and vice-president cum deputy secretary-general of Global Chinese Badminton Federation, Huang Shuqing.
