Tourney returns after 5-year gap

Kota Kinabalu: Badminton enthusiasts in the State are given the opportunity to watch top internationals in action at the Celcom Axiata Malaysia International Challenge Badminton Championship 2016 to be held at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex from November 8-13.The tournament with a total prize money of US$17,500 is making a return to the State after a gap of five years since Sabah last hosted the Proton Malaysia International Challenge 2011 in Sandakan.

In a press conference held here on Wednesday, Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) General Secretary Lawrence Chew said the reason for staging the tournament here is to help the development of the sport in the State.

"If we are to hold all the international competitions only in the Peninsula then the standard of the sport in the country may not be improved as a whole and that is why we also give chance to other states.

"The main aim of this tournament here is to attract young people to come and support the national players and hopefully some Sabah players as well. So I hope to see a lot of school children come for the tournament as badminton has the huge potential to attract young players and it is also a very good activity for them."

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

Five events will be held in the six-day championship with 64 entries expected in the men's singles, 32 each in the women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and the mixed doubles.

Chew said Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Rio Olympic doubles silver medallists Tan Wee Keong and Goh V Shem will not be taking part as they are busy targeting for the Super Series Finals.

He also said he could not be certain of the names of the any top international players who will be taking part at the moment.

"We are sure there will be a good line up of players coming here. But the closing date is on October 11 and only after that then I will know who are coming. But I am sure our top national back-up players will be taking part.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

"And also this is a world ranking event so whether any Sabah players will make the main draw or will play in the qualifying rounds first will only be known after the closing date," he added.

Meanwhile, Sabah Badminton Association President Janih Bangud said he is hopeful State men's singles champion Scott Tsang, former BAM top junior player Tan Jinn Hwa, both from Sandakan, may play in the event.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00