Sarawak to host Malaysian Open for veteran athletes
KUCHING: Sarawak will host the 31st Malaysia International Op en Ma st e r s At hl e t i c s Championship at the Sarawak Stadium, Petra Jaya from July 22-23.
Assistant Minister for Youth, Sports and Solidarity Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is the first time that Sarawak is hosting this event which is one of the highlights in the Malaysian Masters Athletes Association ( MMAA) calendar. Some 600 athletes aged 35 and above from 12 countries will be competing.
“This year’s event would also attract entries from all over the world and since Sarawak is the biggest state in Malaysia, the Youth and Sports Ministry will work together with the State government to ensure that the event would run very smoothly while showcasing Sarawak’s culture and heritage during the championship.
“This is very good for Malaysia and Sarawak, especial ly for the state’s tourism industry. Whereby, athletes who are participating may come with their families and friends as well as their coaching team,” he told a press conference at Stadium Negeri on Tuesday.
“The championship is another international sporting event which is being held in our own backyard and for that we urge the local sports fans to bring along their families and friends to the Sarawak Stadium for a good time in watching the various events,” he added.
Meanwhile, MMAA honorary secretary S Sivapragasam said Sarawak has been given the green light to bid for the 21st Asia Masters Athletic Championship 2019. An estimated 3,000 athletes from at least 30 countries can be expected for the continental meet.
Also present were Sarawak State Sports Council ( SSSC) director Dr Ong Kong Swee and delegates from MMAA.