Churchill (back row, third right), flanked by Ngalih (on his right) and KBK secretary Anthony Ugor Nili (on his left) seen with the organising committee members, players and other officials at the tournament’s venue yesterday.
KUCHING: The Kenyalang Badminton Club (KBK) Junior Dayak Badminton Tournament has started yesterday as organisers seek to unearth talented shuttlers from the Dayak community.
According to organising committee head Petrus Ngalih Tinggi, a total of 85 junior Dayak shuttlers aged between 12 and 18 are taking part in the two-day tournament currently being organised at the Champion Badminton Hall.
The tournament is divided into four categories namely U12, U14, U16 and U18.
“This tournament which follows a knock-out format is open to all Dayak boys and girls.
“It is also aimed at giving more competitive exposure for our budding players and an opportunity to get spotted by authorised talent scouts for the state,” Petrus added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Youth chief Churchill Edward Drem commended the KBK organising committee for holding the inaugural badminton tournament catering for Dayak teenagers.
He said it is not easy to organise such considerable big event with money, team spirit and passion alone because the committee members also need to sacrifice precious time with their family, school, business or career.
“I hope KBK will continue to organise more tournaments for the state and Dayak youth so that the younger generation will not be deprived of competitive exposure and I also hope that participants will play with their hearts out and not just become mere participants or playing only for the prize money.
“They should play with an aim to become state, national and international champions,” said Churchill, who is also KBK advisor.
Churchill added such local tournaments would provide KBK committee members the platform to sharpen their technical skills in umpiring and also their judgement practices.
KBK patron Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, who is also Minister of Public Utilities, has delegated his special officer Thadeus Ling Allu to officiate at the closing at Champion Badminton Hall today at 4pm.
KBK is also involved in technical organisation of the forthcoming SDNU President Cup 2017 badminton tournament from Sept 21-23 at Sentosa Sports Centre in Jalan Stakan, Kota Sentosa here.