A SPECIAL ceremony was held today to announce the unveiling of a new badminton court for the Penang Indian Badminton Association (PIBA) at Taman Bagan in Butterworth.
Located on a 0.5-acre land next to the Taman Bagan Public Market, the construction works of the court began in October last year and were completed in May this year.
It is learnt that the land belongs to the Seberang Perai City Council.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to officiate the ceremony earlier, said that PIBA had spent a total of RM2 million for the construction of the court.
“Congratulations to PIBA, donors and sponsors alike for materialising this initiative, which will play an important role to develop and enhance the sports sector in our state.
“We have produced many national and international badminton players in the past, and one good example would be none other than our former world-class shuttler, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
“Nothing is impossible if we display the right mindset and possess a winning mentality in this area.
“Instead of focusing just on spurring our economy, sport’s involvement by all should also drive community empowerment, enhancing social, cultural and other key important aspects.
“Another important focus for us at the state government is to continue in our efforts to identify potential open spaces that can be converted into useful platforms for the public to engage in community and social works.
“This badminton court is a very good example of turning open spaces into a beneficial cause for the people.
“It is hoped that PIBA will do their best to produce as many national and international players to represent us in the years to come,” Chow said in his speech.
PIBA was established in 2011.
Meanwhile, its president M. Durairajoo said that before moving to the court now, the association had previously been renting another court nearby for RM7,000 monthly.
“It’s too much on our plate to pay that amount on a long-term basis.
“Through donations and the goodwill of our well-wishers, here we are today standing on a brand new court, feeling renewed with good hopes of giving the best platform for everyone to play the game.
“MBSP has leased this land to us for 15 years subject to conditions for extension in the future.
“We will only be paying them RM500 monthly.
“I would like to thank the state government, MBSP, donors, sponsors and my committee members for making this dream a reality today,” Durairajoo said.
The Penang government contributed RM230,000 through Chow, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy for the construction works.
The court is also equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), a gym, men’s and women’s toilets and an office for the staff.
Durairajoo also said a meeting among the committee members will be held soon to discuss the official opening date of the court for booking.
Also present during the event were Ramasamy, Satees, PIBA patron Tan Sri Ramesh, PIBA adviser Datuk Seri Pulaventren and Penang Badminton Association president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis