KUCHING, Aug 10: A delegation from Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA), led by its secretary Ting Ching Zung, recently paid a courtesy call on Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, to update the latter on the association’s preparations for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) and the list of players who will spearhead Sarawak’s challenge in the badminton event.
Abdul Karim was pleased with the association’s preparations and medal prospects in Sukma, according to a press release from SBA.
“I am particularly pleased to learn that SBA has been able to send our junior players to participate in tournaments outside Sarawak that are aimed at giving exposure and experience,” he said, commending such initiatives which also aim to gauge the standards of Sarawak junior badminton players with those of competitors from other states.
He added: “This is a good move for the continuous improvement of badminton in Sarawak. I also wish to acknowledge the capable leadership of SBA which has achieved significant developments especially in the organising of events at the grassroots level.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, urged SBA to continue working hand-in-hand with Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Sarawak State Sports Council (MSN Sarawak).
He also called on the local badminton fraternity to work closely as “one family” together with SSC, MSN Sarawak, and SBA.
“SSC is responsible to look after all sports in Sarawak, whereas the associations, in this case SBA, is to take charge of the development of badminton,” the minister noted.
Abdul Karim said SSC, MSN Sarawak, and SBA should combine their efforts and pool their resources including having coaches and trainers to boost the development of badminton in Sarawak.
The minister expressed his delight with the number of young Sarawak badminton players who are currently training with the national squad in Bukit Jalil under coach Rexy Manaiky, who is the Badminton of Association Malaysia’s (BAM) doubles coaching director.
“We need to work together for the betterment of badminton in Sarawak,” said Abdul Karim.
SSC chief executive officer (CEO) and MSN Sarawak director Morshidi Fredrick was also present during the visit.
Meanwhile, SBA president Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain had lauded SSC for its support and cooperation towards the association.
The forthcoming Sukma is seen as a good avenue for the State’s young shuttlers who have trained diligently despite facing numerous challenges especially during the pandemic and movement control order (MCO). — DayakDaily
