PETALING JAYA: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
So on Wednesday, media practitioners from nine organizations, took time off from their hectic work schedule to sweat it out in the Allianz Media Badminton championships at the TT Sports Centre in Petaling Jaya.
It was fun, and competitive as well.
Astro clinched their second title after beating defending champions and two-time winners, New Straits Times Press (NSTP) 2-1.
They also won it in 2022.
Astro was powered by former national women's singles shuttler Stephanie Shalini Sukumaran.
"I haven't played in ages, at least for seven years but I felt so happy to be back on the court," said the mother of one child Stephanie, who had to undergo a knee surgery.
"It has been a crazy few years trying to get stronger and strengthening my right knee after the surgery but I'm glad to get a chance to represent Astro," she added.
After ending her badminton career, Stephanie worked at a few places before joining Astro, and is currently the sport intellectual property (IP) creation manager, and oversees the Sepak Takraw League (STL) and Netball Super League (NSL).
The Star Media Group finished fourth after losing to Bernama 2-0 in the third-place playoff.
The fourth Allianz Media Badminton 2024 tournament featured ten teams, including Allianz Malaysian team.
Harian Metro was the newest media team making their debut this year. The tournament was played in a round-robin format featuring two men’s doubles and one mixed doubles.
“This annual media tournament is something I look forward to as badminton is a sport I thoroughly enjoy. It also gives us a chance to engage with our media friends away from work. As I always say, work hard, play hard and congratulations to all winners today,” said Sean Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Malaysia Berhad, and Allianz team captain.
RESULTS
Final: Astro bt NSTP
Third-place playoff: Bernama bt The Star
Plate Champion: China Press bt Media Mulia
Consolations: Harian Metro, Sinar Harian and Malaysiakini
