30 teams vie for Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom cup
by Matthew T. Umpang, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 29, 2012, Sunday
ALL THE BEST: Puan Sri Julia Mawan (third from right) presents souvenirs to all team representatives of the 2012 edition of the Dayak Closed Doubles Badminton Championship. Also seen is Liwan Lagang.
KUCHING: The 2012 edition of the Dayak Closed Doubles Badminton Championship kicked off yesterday with 30 teams competing for the Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom cup.
A joint effort by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) and the Ministry of Social Development, the competition was organised with the aim to bolster ties between the various Dayak communities around the state.
This year’s tournament was a follow-up to the inaugural competition held last year.
“We have teams from as far as Kapit coming here to participate in this tournament. I am happy that this tournament received very good response as compared to last year.
“The number of teams participating could be more than 30 had it not been for some teams withdrawing at the last minute. One most notable absentee is last year’s runner-up team Stigang who lost to team SDNU (B) in the final match,” commented tournament coordinator Naglih Tinggi.
Current favourites team SDNU (B) on the other hand is optimistic about their chances of defending their championship title. Retaining the same shuttlers from last year’s tournament, they are definitely the team to beat.
Ngalih informed that the competition is divided into two categories, Men’s Double and Women’s Doubles.
“Teams who won this tournament three times will get to keep the cup. This is to appreciate the efforts of the winner and their commitment toward this competition,” he said.
Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage Liwan Lagang who is also Belaga assemblyman officiated at the opening ceremony of the tournament yesterday.
He was representing Senior Minister and Minister of Social Development and SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom.
Mawan’s wife Puan Sri Julia Mawan was also present at the ceremony.
Speaking to thesundaypost yesterday, Liwan commented that sports are a fantastic way to promote unity among the various Dayak communities here in the state.
“It is not affiliated to politics and everybody can come together just to have fun in doing healthy activities. Today we can see a great turnout and a good sign of togetherness among the Dayaks. I would also like to put on record and thank Tan Sri William Mawan for his good leadership of SDNU in organising more activities like this,” he commented.
The tournament ends today with the final match in both categories expected to be played at approximately 2pm.
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