PENANG is set to attract an influx of people next month in view of the Malaysia Open Beach Volleyball Championship 2021 to be held from Dec 9 to 12.
The state’s tourism is expected to get a boost, especially during the year end, when domestic tourism is likely to gaining pace.
This prestigious tournament is organised by NBL International Sdn Bhd with the support from the Penang government. It is sanctioned by Malaysia Volleyball Association (MAVA) and Penang Volleyball Association (PVA).
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the four-day tournament for men and women would take place at the public beach in front of Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi.
“This double-gender tournament features as part of Malaysia selection trial for the 31st SEA Games, which will be held in Hanoi on May 12-23, 2022 and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England on July 28-Aug 8, 2022.
“We are expecting 20 elite men’s team and 10 women’s team to participate in this edition of tournament in Penang.
“The event will be held in three series, with the first taking place in Shah Alam from Dec 3 to 5, the second in Penang from Dec 9 to 12 and the third in Johor Danga Bay Open from Dec 17 to 19.
“The battle for the gold medals in Penang will take place on Dec 12. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is expected to grace the event,” he said at a press conference in Komtar today.
Soon added that there would be a committee to analyse the results of the participants as well.
MAVA president Hean Boon Yeow said he was also looking forward to the competition.
“It is a great event to promote the sports,” he said.
Admission to the event is free for those who are fully vaccinated amidst strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Also present were Penang State Sports Council (PSSC) director Harry Chai, Penang Volleyball Association (PVA) president Datuk Seri Yeoh Cheng Bah and NBL International managing director Tan Kee Hian.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting