By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 26: The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) presented an incentive worth RM10,000 to Wong Ling Ching for the first-ever gold medal in the women’s singles badminton event in the recently concluded 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma 2024).
Commenting on Wong’s excellent performance, SBA president Tan Sri Aziz Husain asserted that Sarawak is a new force to be reckoned with in badminton as the State only managed to reach the quarter-final stage in previous Sukma editions.
“Before this Sukma, we are nobodies in badminton. Now, not only did we win gold, but we even reached a semi-final match in the mixed double.
“This is an achievement for athletes and the sport here,” he told reporters before presenting the incentive to Wong during a ceremony today.
Husain elaborated that Wong’s achievement is significant as it also made Sarawak ranked third in badminton in Sukma 2024.
He added that Sarawak’s badminton players have a lot of potential with room to improve. He also hoped that with the gold medal win from Wong and other players’ performances, the Sarawak Sports Council (SSC) would help with facilities and funding.
“SBA hopes SSC could see that badminton is one of the sports that could contribute more medals for Sarawak in the future for Sukma,” he said.
Wong’s incentive from SBA for winning a gold medal is a bonus in addition to the cash incentives from Sarawak’s government to be presented in an appreciation ceremony on September 14.
It was witnessed by Sukma 2024 Sarawak Badminton team manager Ting Ching Zung and assistant coach Mohd Razlan Shah. — DayakDaily
