ABOUT 500 participants took part in the 7th Asas Dunia Cup Table Tennis Championship, highlighting the growing interest in the sport and the importance of developing young talents at grassroots level.
Penang Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik congratulated Asas Dunia and the organising committee for successfully organising the tournament, which has grown into one of the largest privately organised table tennis competitions of its kind.
He said such initiatives provided young players with valuable opportunities to gain experience, sharpen their skills and compete in a healthy sporting environment.
“Sports are not just about winning medals and trophies. They are about building character, discipline, teamwork and resilience.
“More importantly, sports bring people together regardless of race, religion, background or age. This is the spirit of unity and community harmony that we want to strengthen in Penang,” he said in his speech at the championship.
Goh also highlighted Penang’s achievement at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, where the state’s table tennis team won seven medals comprising three gold, two silver and two bronze.
He said the achievement was the result of years of dedication and hard work by athletes, coaches, sports associations, parents and supporters.
“Sporting excellence does not happen overnight. It starts at the grassroots level, where children and young people are given opportunities to participate, learn, train and compete.
“From the 500 participants at today’s championship to tomorrow’s SUKMA champions, we must establish a continuous pathway to identify, develop and nurture sporting talents,” he said.
He expressed hope that some of the young players taking part in the tournament would go on to represent Penang at Sukma and Malaysia at international competitions.
Goh also stressed that sports development should not depend on government efforts alone, but required cooperation between the public and private sectors, sports associations, schools and community organisations.
He described Asas Dunia’s efforts as a good example of how private initiatives could complement government programmes in developing sports at grassroots level.
“Investing in sports is also investing in our people, our younger generation and the future of our society.
“We want Penang to be a state where sports are accessible to everyone and where every young talent has the opportunity to grow and excel,” he said.
Goh thanked the organisers, sponsors, coaches, parents and volunteers for their contributions, and urged participants to compete with determination, respect their opponents and enjoy the tournament.
He later officiated at the opening of the championship.
Story by Edmund Lee