KUCHING: The Sarawak government will support the development and promotion of badminton in Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He noted that badminton is one of the most popular and important sports in the state and country.

“Since we have such a strong tradition, the government and the people are always supportive towards the sport.

“The government is willing to support the sport financially while the parents are willing to send their children to badminton development programmes and many big companies are willing to be the sponsors,” he said at the Kuching Badminton Association (KBA) fund-raising dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday night.

The text of his speech was delivered by Tan Kai who is political secretary to the Sarawak Premier.

Dr Sim, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister, said Sarawak is gradually becoming a sports powerhouse in Malaysia and the government has high hopes that Sarawak will be a sports hub that produces world class athletes especially in badminton for the state by 2030.

“I strongly urge all sports associations, clubs and other non-governmental organisations to work together to achieve this aim.

“I would like to thank KBA for taking a step forward in achieving our mission,” added Sim who also announced a grant of RM10,000 to the association.

Meanwhile, KBA president Dr Ong Kong Swee highlighted how they are spearheading various development programmes in the sport and working closely with government sports agencies.

“KBA has systematic and structured master plan for development and training progammes for all levels and we would like to thank the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development through the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) for ge ing good quality coaches for our training programmes.

“The funds raised from tonight’s event will not only be used for the development and training of our talented young players but also for sending them for exposure in local and national tournaments,” he said.

According to Ong, KBA will continue to work very closely with SSC to continue organising the SSC Sarawak Junior Badminton Circuit (SSC SJBC) next year where at least nine or 10 series of the circuit will be organised.

An International Sports Forum and Workshop will be organised next year which will focus on the application of sports science in training for badminton and other sports.

Ong also announced plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association for collaboration on talent identification, development and tournament exposure.

Since we have such a strong tradition, the government and the people are always supportive towards the sport.

Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian