BUDDING badminton players will have a new competitive platform with the inaugural Piala Smash Bangi on June 20.
Bangi MCA Youth chief Yang Kok Bao said the tournament was aimed at encouraging more young people to take up sports and spend less time on their mobile devices.
“We all know that children and teenagers today cannot live without their smartphones.
“We hope this tournament will encourage more young people to play badminton, get to know the sport better and adopt a more active lifestyle,” he said during a press conference.
Organised by the Bangi MCA Youth and Kajang MCA branch, the one-day tournament at Live Sport badminton hall in KIP Mall Bangi is open to participants across four categories comprising Under-17 boys doubles, Under-17 girls doubles, Under-15 boys singles and Under-15 girls singles.
Yang said the organisers have also increased the prize packages.
“Winning is good, but even if they do not win, they gain experience and can come back stronger in future tournaments.”
Tournament director Paul Tan said participation would be capped at 96 players, with registration closing once all slots are filled.
The competition will see a round-robin format leading to the knockout rounds.
“With the round-robin format, players are guaranteed more matches instead of being eliminated after just one game,” Paul said.
Bangi MCA New Media Bureau head Patrick Lee said the tournament was intended to provide a platform for young players to gain competitive experience and showcase their abilities.
“Badminton holds a special place for Malaysians.
“Through this tournament, we hope to give young talents in Bangi an opportunity to test themselves and pursue their sporting ambitions,” he said.
Australian Olympian Gronya Somerville, brand ambassador for tournament sponsor Kumpoo, is scheduled to make a special appearance.
Lee said Somerville would take part in meet-and-greet, autograph signing and interactive sessions with participants.
KP Sports World Sdn Bhd managing director Jeff Tan said Kumpoo hoped to continue supporting youth badminton through similar grassroots initiatives.
“This is not a one-off collaboration. We hope to continue working together on similar events in the future and create more opportunities for young players,” he said.
Also present were Bangi MCA division vice-chairman Law Seong Yee, Bangi MCA division auditor Nicholas Tsai, Bangi Wanita MCA chief Liaw Lian Kee and Bangi Wanita MCA secretary Wong Mee Hong.
The Under-15 singles categories feature prizes of RM300 for first place, RM200 for second and RM100 for third.
The Under-17 doubles champions will receive RM600 per pair, with runner-up receiving RM400 and the third place, RM200.
Winners will also receive Kumpoo merchandise and medals.
For details, call 012-209 7868 (KB), 011-3177 2952 (Rachel) or 012-601 8662 (Johnny).
