Khalid (seated at centre) with his deputy Datuk Abang Ismail Abang Saufri (right) and exco members at the press conference.
KUCHING: The Sarawak Sepak Takraw Association (PSS) has become the latest sports body in the state to respond to the government’s call to promote sports tourism by organising international competitions in Sarawak.
They will be organising the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup International Invitational Sepak Takraw Championship at the Miri City Stadium from Aug 3-6.
PSS president Dato Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki said this is the first time that the association is organising an international championship in which several countries in South-east Asia including Malaysia will be taking part.
“We received the good news when our chief minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg agreed to sponsor the Chief Minister’s challenge trophy and we are targeting the participation of 50 teams who can each field two import players.
“So far, we have sent invitations to countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines and affiliates of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association such as Armed Forces and Police,” he told reporters at a press conference on Saturday.
According to Khalid, the championship is expected to receive a good response as it will serve as an avenue for exposure to teams including Malaysia preparing for the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in late August.
He said the championship will not only help to promote sports tourism in Sarawak particularly in Miri but the people will be able to witness the world-class players in action.
“Our heartiest thanks to the chief minister for his full support on the organising of the event as well as our appreciation to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah for his strong support,” added Khalid.
“Apart from spurring the sports tourism industry, the championship is also aimed at raising the interest of the people in this traditional sport,” he said.
Cash prizes of RM15,000, RM10,000 and RM5,000 will be offered for the top three teams and RM1,000 for the losing quarterfinalists.
Meanwhile, PSS will also be organising the Pekema Cup Inter-Club Sepak Takraw Championship in Sibu from July 21-23.
Details on this tournament can be obtained from Fudin Chee at 019-8889978 or Amat Teni at 010-8151567.