Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has promising potential to be promoted as a destination for tennis tourism.
This follows a group of South Korean high school tennis players who chose Sabah for their school winter break, which runs from mid-Dec to the end of Jan, to continue their training programme at the Likas Sports Complex.
The group of nine students – Kim Ji Hoon, Lee Yoon Ho, Kim Ji Hwan, Noh Geon Ha, Kim Ryul, Bang Jun Seok, Kang Ye Chan, Park Yi Soo, and Yoon Sung Bin – will be based here from Jan 15-23.
They are accompanied by head coach Gil Jun Seok and playing coach Oh Nam Ho.
“They will have a training programme and friendly matches with local players from the Sabah Malaysia Games team, as well as adults for social games,” said TC Tennis Camp coach Claire Godon, who is the coordinator of the programme.
“It is currently winter in South Korea, and due to the cold weather, they are unable to train.
“So, they decided to come to Sabah to escape the cold weather while also taking a break to enjoy the warm climate here,” said Claire.
The Korean visit here is also part of their school holiday, added Claire.
“Many sportspeople unable to train during the winter season are looking for warm-climate destinations to continue training,” said Claire, who is also the Sabah Tennis Association’s liaison officer.
She added that Sabah should target sports enthusiasts in South Korea, as there are daily direct flights available between the two destinations.
“Moreover, I heard that tennis court rental costs in South Korea have increased this year,” she said.
Claire revealed that a larger group of tennis players from China has confirmed their visit to Sabah in May this year.
“They are coming here for a combined tennis and holiday programme,” she said.
Kim Jae Hyoung from Travelgram in South Korea, who organised the tennis training camp, said the students were part of a well-known high school tennis programme in Korea and actively compete in both national tournaments and international competitions.
“Last year, I successfully hosted two social club groups for a travel and tennis programme in Kota Kinabalu.
“This year, I plan to host several more groups and provide them with the travel and tennis experience,” said Kim.
