PTTL to boost Limbang’s potential as premier venue for tug-of-war events
LIMBANG: The establishment of Limbang District Tug-of-War Association (PTTL) is seen as a viable move to elevate the status of and promote this district as a premier venue for this activity – known locally as ‘kalat’.
In this regard, Assistant Minister for Welfare and Community Wellbeing Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail views the ‘Borneo Kalat Challenge’ as an iconic event for Limbang in that it gathers participants from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan and Brunei.
He observes that through PTTL, many preparations have been and are being done including the setup of facilities to ensure smooth running of the prestigious event.
“One of the efforts by PTTL is conducting courses on refereeing for ‘kalat’, which is a very popular game with thousands of enthusiasts,” he said at the opening of the three-day Grade 3 Basic Refereeing and Coaching Course – Tug-ofWar 2017’ at the civic centre here yesterday.
Limbang Walikota who is also PTTL president Councillor Sufian Mohat, Limbang Youth and Sport Department representative Ahmad Nur Hadi Zulkifli, Limbang Fire and Rescue chief Tawang Lingem, Malaysian Tug-of-War Association (PTTM) president Zulkifli Ahmad and PTTM technical bureau official Major (Rtd) Azmi Mohamad were among those present.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is Bukit Kota assemblyman, said through PTTL, his side could request for funding to elevate the status of and regulate the sport, like those done in Peninsular Malaysia.
According to him, 10 states including Sabah and Labuan have their own registered tug-of-war associations. For this district, there are 12 tugof-war coaches.
On another subject, Dr Abdul Rahman disclosed a proposal to host a closed ‘kalat’ challenge here.
“This tournament would be exclusive to those in Limbang. This move is aimed at making Limbang the strongest ‘kalat’ team in Borneo once again,” he said.