THE Penang Chief Minister’s Cup Badminton Championship will enter its fourth and final edition under the administration of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow this year.
The tournament will also see the debut of the redONE Challenge Cup, with five teams from Malaysia, Thailand and China set to compete for the inaugural title.
The two-day Chief Minister Cup tournament will be held on Sept 5 and 6 at CRC Penang, featuring 13 teams comprising 130 players.
Chow said registration for the tournament closed on July 25, with the number of participating teams maintained at 13 to ensure the competition could be conducted smoothly according to the prescribed format.
The tournament will retain its round-robin format for four groups, with the quarter-finals scheduled for the first day, followed by the semi-finals and final on the second day.
Each team must comprise players competing in four categories — Men’s Doubles Combined 65, Men’s Doubles Combined 95, Open Women’s Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles.
The players this year range in age from 21 to 67.
Chow said the player eligibility requirements also remain unchanged, with active national and state players barred from participating, while former state players who are no longer active are eligible to compete.
A total of RM23,000 in cash prizes will be offered for the Chief Minister’s Cup, with the overall champion receiving RM10,000, the runner-up RM7,000, and the two losing semi-finalists receiving RM3,000 each.
Participants will also stand a chance to win attractive prizes through a lucky draw.
Meanwhile, the inaugural redONE Challenge Cup will feature five teams from Malaysia, Thailand and China, adding an international dimension to this year’s tournament.
The Challenge Cup offers cash prizes of US$10,000 for the champion, US$7,000 for the runner-up and US$3,000 for third place.
The championship is jointly organised by the Batu Kawan Member of Parliament’s Service Centre, Padang Kota State Assembly Service Centre and Timuran Football Club.
Chow also expressed his appreciation to all sponsors for their continued support towards the tournament.
Looking back at the tournament’s journey since its inaugural edition, Chow said he is proud that an initiative, which began as a badminton competition, has now reached its fourth edition.
“Although this will be the final edition under the name of the Penang Chief Minister’s Cup, I hope that the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship and cooperation that has been fostered throughout these four editions will continue to grow within Penang’s sporting community,” he said.
He said the value of the tournament extends beyond the pursuit of victory, as sports can provide opportunities for people to remain active, build networks and strengthen relationships.
“I hope this year’s tournament will be conducted smoothly and filled with wonderful memories,” Chow said, wishing all players the best and urging them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabillah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat