Players posing for a group shot during the opening ceremony of the badminton tournament at Sports Heroes Indoor Entertainment Park. — Photos: LEW GUAN XI/The Star and courtesy pic
BADMINTON, among the most popular sports in Malaysia, can strengthen bonds between different communities by bringing enthusiasts together.
In Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, eight residents associations (RA) jointly organised the Bandar Utama Badminton Cup as a platform for the residents to get to know each other.
Co-organising chairman Datuk Seri Bobby Gan told StarMetro the event, in its fourth edition this year, was a good way for residents to engage in meaningful communication.
“Most of the time, residents only see each other during RA meetings.
“The whole idea of this tournament is to allow them to socialise outside the office,” said Gan, who is also the tournament founder.
Besides community bonding, he said the event could help hone residents’ badminton skills.
“Their desire to win the championship motivates them to train hard.
“Through the years, the residents’ skills have been greatly improved,” he said.
Team BU9 lifting the trophy as champions of Bandar Utama Badminton Cup 2024.
He also outlined plans for the tournament’s expansion.
“In the first five years, we will hold the tournament within the jurisdiction of the RAs.
“In the sixth to 10th editions, we aim to expand it to the whole of Bandar Utama state constituency.
“From the 11th edition onwards, we wish to scale up into a bigger league for the whole of Damansara parliamentary constituency,” he said during the tournament’s opening ceremony at Sports Heroes Indoor Entertainment Park in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The BU1 Benaria, BU2, BU6, BU7&10, BU9, BU11 Hatiria, BU11 Gembiria and BU12 RAs competed for the championship trophy as well as cash ranging from RM500 to RM1,500.
The most valuable player (MVP) and most promising star were also awarded medals.
The eight teams, with a total of 112 players (14 players in each team), took part in a round-robin competition.
Teams BU6, BU9, BU11 Gembiria and BU11 Hatiria were in the semi-finals.
After a tight competition, BU9 emerged as champions for the third consecutive year, with BU11 Hatiria in second and BU11 Gembiria in third.
Also present were Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin as well as Petaling Jaya councillors John Leong and Danny Chan.
Jamaliah said the tournament was one of the events that she enjoyed the most as it gathered residents of all ages together.
She also stressed the importance of disease prevention through a healthy lifestyle.
Chan picking up the racquet in a friendly match involving guests, organising committee and sponsors of the tournament in Petaling Jaya.
“It is important for us to hold physical activities that not only attract the youth, but also engage with senior citizens for their health.
“Bandar Utama is fortunate to have more such activities compared to other areas.
“These activities should be held in all neighbourhoods,” said Jamaliah, who is also Selangor public health and environment committee chairman.
Leong said the tournament, which was the residents’ own initiative, successfully empowered the community.
“This is not just a tournament. It is also a great activity to encourage a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the residents’ bonds.
“In addition, sports events like this also engage the youth,” he said.
Chan was also impressed by increasing support for the tournament through the years.
“This is a great platform to reach out to more residents,” he added.
