Minister praises STTA for developing table tennis
OFFICIAL VISIT:
KOTA KINABALU: The 31st Milo Malaysia Hopes Table Tennis Championships, which is ongoing until December 2 at Dewan Maksak here in Likas, is by far the largest hosting by Sabah in recent years.
The national championship gathers young players from all over the country to compete in Under-13 and Under-10 categories, and the encouraging number of participants this year is likely Sabah’s biggest ever hosting of the prestigious annual championship.
“I am delighted to note that this year’s championship may be the largest ever tournament in the history of Sabah in which there are 16 state affiliates taking part with a total of 450 officials, umpires, coaches and players,” said Sabah Table Tennis Association president Edward Chua Soon Ann.
Chua, who is also the organising chairman, said this at the tournament’s welcoming ceremony dinner held at Sri Tanjung Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday night.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Frankie Poon graced the ceremony.
Also present were Table Tennis Association of Malaysia vice president Dr Chin Kuen Liang, Nestle Products Sdn Bhd regional manager Wallace Tan and Sabah Sports Council assistant director Valerie Wong, among others.
Meanwhile, Frankie said many sporting achievements by Sabah athletes recently helped to lift the State’s name.
And he said the encouraging number of entries in this national table tennis championship was a good indicator that STTA was doing their part in the development of the sport in the country.
“The development of sports in Sabah resulted in several outstanding achievements by our local athletes recently. Sports associations under their respective leadership have shown great commitment in efforts to contribute to the development of sports in the country.
“The encouraging number of entries in this championship shows steadfast commitment by the Sabah Table Tennis Association. I hope you will continue with your good job in contributing to the development of the sport in the state and the country,” said Frankie.
Towards this end, Chua thanked all the sponsors for their generous support and contribution including Frankie, who is also Tanjung Papat Assemblyman for sponsoring the welcoming dinner and Nestle for the Milo sponsorship.
Chua also gave special thanks to TCT Group and Madam Serence Tan for sponsoring the Sabah team uniform.
“Lastly, I wish all the teams and players the best of luck in competing in this year’s championship.
“I hope, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, each and every one of you shall bring out your utmost performance and enjoy the game. Whether you win or lose, I hope you will bring home good memories of this championship,” he said.