SPIRITS ran high as some 270 players battled it out in the 16th Chung Ling Alumni Badminton Tournament 2026, with teams comprising old boys who graduated in their respective years.
A total of 29 teams competed across four categories – diamond veteran, senior veteran, junior veteran and youth – with all ties played in doubles.
The highlight came in the junior veteran category, where team 2000A finally clinched the title after finishing runner-up in the previous two editions.
Led by captain Sean Loy Liang Ee, team 2000A made a flying start, winning all four of their group-stage ties in the nine-team category, which was split into two groups.
They swept past teams 1998, 1995B and 1997 by 5-0 margins before defeating team 2001 4-1.
In the semi-final, team 2000A overcame team 1995A 3-1 before finally breaking their jinx against tournament favourite team 1999, edging them 3-2 in a thrilling final.
Victory was especially sweet for Loy and partner Josh Oon, who held their nerve at 2-2 to deliver the decisive winning point.
Adding to the triumph was the sweet taste of revenge, as team 1999 had denied team 2000A the title in the previous two editions.
Loy attributed the victory to teamwork and strategy, saying the team could easily have suffered another agonising defeat in the final.
“We were trailing 0-2 and our third pair, (Ooi) Chok Wei and (Phang) Eng Hong, were facing one of the strongest pairs from team 99.
“They pulled it off stunningly, and that turned the tide in our favour,” he said.
Loy said some of the players had been playing together since 2016.
“From now on, we will continue to work hard and hopefully defend our title for the next two editions and keep the challenge trophy,” he said.
In his speech, Penang Chung Ling Alumni Association vice-chairman Chuan Hooi Guan said it was admirable that the oldest participating alumni, those who graduated in 1977, were still sweating it out and competing alongside everyone else.
“Their passion and perseverance for badminton are truly worthy of our respect.
“They also remind us that there is no age limit when it comes to sports.
“As long as our physical condition allows and we still have the passion, we can continue to take to the court and play alongside our former schoolmates.
“This spirit is also one of the key reasons why the Chung Ling Alumni Badminton Tournament has continued for so many years,” Chuan said.
He said the alma mater would celebrate the important milestone of its 110th anniversary next year.
“At the same time, our association will also host the 9th Penang State Alumni Associations Badminton Championship.
“On this occasion, we hope to take advantage of the 110th anniversary celebrations to bring together alumni from different generations on the badminton court.
“Through sports as a bridge, we can connect with one another, exchange experiences, sharpen our skills and come together to celebrate this significant milestone in our alma mater’s history,” he said.
In the Diamond Veteran category, team 1979 emerged as champions, with team 1980 winning the second place and team 1981 winning the third place.
In the Senior Veteran category, team 1991A emerged as champions, with team 1989 as runner- up and third place secured by team 1983A and team 1988.
Team 2000A won the Junior Veteran category, followed by team 1999 as runner-up and third place secured by teams 1997 and 1995A.
In the Youth category, Chung Ling Private High School A emerged as champions, followed by Chung Ling High School A and third place won by Chung Ling High School B.
