WITH growing interest, the Penang Chief Minister Cup Badminton Championship 2026 may be open to international teams.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow suggested that the tournament include both international and local teams, following the organisers’ intention to expand the competition next year.
His remarks came after the successful conclusion of the third edition of the tournament today, which thus far has been limited to local teams. The idea of inviting foreign teams was mooted by his political secretary, Lau Keng Ee.
“Should the competition go international, we can call upon Penang’s former Olympic player Ong Ewe Hock to reach out to overseas teams,” Chow said at the prize presentation ceremony held at the Lee Sih Chong Soon @ Lee Kongsi in Burmah Road.
He added that this year’s championship saw a commendable participation of 14 teams comprising 140 players, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for badminton in Penang.
1st Rocket Club emerged as champions and walked away with the top prize of RM10,000, while Smashmasters claimed the runners-up spot and the RM7,000 cash prize. G Lead and Forward Runners, the losing semi-finalists, each received RM3,000. The oldest participant was 69-year-old Perumal Kalimuthu from Penang Tech Centre.
Chow thanked all the participants and the organising committee for making the event, held at the Chinese Recreation Club, a success. He also expressed appreciation to sponsors, partners, the teams from his two service centres — the Padang Kota State Constituency and Batu Kawan Parliamentary Service Centres — as well as Timuran Football Club, the co-organiser.
“A tournament such as this is not merely a contest for victory but, more importantly, a platform to foster goodwill, understanding, and harmony among the people. These noble values are essential in shaping an active, healthy, and competitive community, in line with the Penang2030 vision, which emphasises the well-being of the people and inclusive, sustainable social development.
“I believe that the continued organisation of the Chief Minister’s Cup Badminton Championship demonstrates our strong commitment to making sports a unifying force that strengthens teamwork, unity, and love for the state. Through such activities, we not only nurture champions on the court but also individuals who are disciplined, strategic, and strong in character,” Chow said.
While victory is the dream of every player, Chow said the true essence of sports lies in upholding sportsmanship.
“It teaches patience, respect, tolerance, and perseverance. These are the very values that align with the State Government’s aspiration to develop resilient and forward-looking citizens, in pursuit of the Penang2030 vision and the Malaysia Madani framework,” Chow stressed.
Chow also expressed hope that the championship would serve as a platform to produce more rising badminton talents who could make Penang and Malaysia proud, following in the footsteps of badminton icons such as Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, Chan Peng Soon, Lim Khim Wah, and Ong Ewe Hock.
Also present at the prize presentation and dinner ceremony were Lau Keng Ee, political secretary to Chief Minister; Ewe Chee Way, the director of the Padang Kota State constituency and Batu Kawan Parliamentary Service Centre; Datuk Lim Choo Hooi, the chairman of the Penang Forward Sports Club; Teoh Choon Kheng, the chairman of Timuran Football Club; Penang badminton legend Ong Ewe Hock, sponsor representatives Datuk Seri Chew Suen Wei (Inter Great Group of Companies), Farid Yunus (Red One Mobile), Lau Jia Yi (UWC Berhad), Tan Kah Hean (Baguss Trophy) and Jason Chung (Iconic Group Sdn Bhd).
The lucky draw was the highlight of the evening, featuring five motorcycles (sponsored by Datuk Tom Khoo and represented by Datuk Lim Choo Hooi), one pair of China Southern Airlines round-trip flight tickets (sponsored by China Southern Airlines and represented by Fang Xiujing), and two grand prizes of 4D3N Guangzhou trip for one person each (sponsored by Yue Tian Travel Agency and represented by Jack Goh).
There were also many other exciting prizes, ensuring that many attendees went home with smiles on their faces.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
