By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak will host two of the eight stages of PETRONAS Le Tour De Langkawi (LTDL) 2024, the biggest bicycle race in Malaysia, from Oct 5 to 6, with the events expected to be live telecast for more than 12 hours on the Eurosport channel.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Talent Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah informed that tentatively, Sarawak would host Stage 7 from Miri to Bintulu with a total distance of 199.3 kilometres, and Stage 8 comprising the Bintulu loop covering a total distance of 166.8 km.
“As described by the race organiser in their recent committee meeting, the challenging and tough route stages in Sarawak will determine the overall championship title.
“This year, having given two of its final stages, my Ministry hopes that the Sarawak race route will continue to feature in the next LTDL upcoming races,” he informed the august House when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Recognising the benefits both local and international sports events will bring to Sarawak by creating economic and social opportunities for the communities, Abdul Karim pointed out that the Ministry will continuously pave greater development of the Sarawak sports industry such as WBC Championship, Spartan Race, Deka Fit, World Junior Team Competition Under-14, and many more.
Apart from the bicycle race, he mentioned that the prestigious Sarawak International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship 2024 is scheduled to be held from June 10 to 15 in Kuching.
“This international event, hosted by the Sarawak Amateur Bowling Association, is sanctioned by the International Bowling Federation,” he added.
Past international events include the 2024 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Junior Team Competition Under-14 Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying tournament for boys and girls held from March 16 to 30 at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) centre in Kuching.
A total of 32 teams for both boys and girls are from Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Malaysia took part in the tournament. — DayakDaily
