RISING STARS OF TENNIS: Young and aspiring tennis players of PTBS showing their certificates of accomplishments after receiving them from chief political secretary of the Chief Minister, Abdullah Saidol (back row, centre) while Ismail Abdullah looks on.
KUCHING: Tennis enthusiasts are in for a special treat as the Sarawak Bumiputra Tennis Association (PTBS) are planning large-scale programmes next year to commemorate the association’s 35th anniversary.
Plans are already on the card to make 2013 a memorable year for the association and tennis in the state.
International tennis tournaments are also in the programme with foreign tennis players invited.
“We are planning to organise international tennis tournaments, anniversary dinner and many other related activities to mark the anniversary.
“Thirty-five years is a long period of time and we are proud that the association remains active until today,” said PTBS deputy secretary Ismail Abdullah.
Ismail added that the schedule of the tournaments will be announced soon.
“It is just a matter of finalising the events with PTBS Exco-members during the next official meeting this coming December. The international-scale tournaments will also benefit Bumiputra tennis players as it provides them meaningful exposure and experience. It is a good development for the sport among the community,” enthused Ismail.
“As for playing against international players, we do have potential local players who can match them. Among them is Alia Azman as well as Aiman Hamdan, two of our young and brightest prospects in tennis,” commented Ismail.
Alia and Aiman are products of PTBS youth development programme and the rising stars of Sarawak tennis.
The association have always believed in investing on young talents.
The association currently have three qualified and certified coaches who are dedicated to train players at the association’s Wisma PTBS located at Petra Jaya. PTBS also have 120 active tennis players training at the association’s grounds daily.
“Since our formation in 1977, we have always had a vision to make Bumiputras excel in tennis. Now, with an ever growing number of Bumiputras taking up the sport and playing at Wisma PTBS, it is indeed a good sign that we are heading towards the right direction,” Ismail added.
Ismail however lamented that the current facilities at Wisma PTBS is getting over-crowded hence the need to raise fund to expand. He hoped that PTBS’ plight will get the attention from the various parties including the government and corporate bodies.
For the record, PTBS is one of the oldest and well-managed sports associations here in Sarawak.