Karim speaks to reporters during the press conference as (from left) Chew, Snowdan and Ong look on. — Photo by Teo Chi Wei
KUCHING: Badminton enthusiasts and fans who failed to get tickets to watch their favourite players in action in the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals of the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open badminton championship need not despair.
The state government and organisers of the event will be screening the live telecast of the matches on the giant screens at the Stadium Square and Sarawak Aquatics Stadium starting yesterday.
“The fans can watch the matches free and feel the heat of the moment although they are unable to feel the electrifying atmosphere inside the indoor stadium,” said Assistant Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who relayed the good news yesterday.
“Although there are still 500 tickets daily for the semi-finals and finals, I believe they will be snapped up very quickly,” he told reporters in a press conference.
Together with Karim was BAM general manager Lawrence Chew, Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan and Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee.
“The crowds on the first day was alright, second day was almost full, yesterday was not very full partly because the live telecast started yesterday and we are expecting a packed stadium today, tomorrow and Sunday,” he said.
According to Karim, the seating capacity inside the indoor stadium is 4,000 people and he believes the crowds will be overwhelming this weekend.
As the Stadium Square and Aquatics Stadium are opened up to cater for more spectators, Karim said there should not be any grounds for those who come down here and cannot get tickets and complain about it.
He also advised the media personnel and the public to park their cars at the proper parking areas.
“Don’t park your cars by the roadside next to the indoor stadium to avoid getting compounded for traffic offence by the police,” he advised.
And those watching the match live on the giant screens outside the stadium need to keep the place clean and not throw rubbish indiscriminately.