PENANG is looking for another Datuk Lee Chong Wei or Datuk Nicol David to bring honour to the country in sports, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“We hope to create more world champions from Penang who can make the state and the nation proud.
“I applaud the Penang Table Tennis Association (PTTA) for its initiative to organise this tournament to promote and popularise this sport.
“Hopefully, Penang can produce world champions in table tennis someday.
“The state government will support the efforts undertaken by PTTA to develop the table tennis in the state,” Chow said during the opening ceremony of the Penang Chief Minister Cup Interschool Table Tennis Championships 2019 today.
He also lauded the parents for encouraging their children to take part in the tournament.
“I used to play table tennis and rugby when I was younger.
“Sports actually help an individual to boost their self-esteem,” he said.
Chow was also seen playing table tennis with PTTA chairman Datuk Michael Tiah at the event.
A total of 147 teams comprising 347 students from primary and secondary schools (50 schools) in Penang are taking part in the competition.
The two-day competition ending tomorrow is held at the PTTA hall in Macallum Street.
Also present were assemblymen Teh Lai Heng (Komtar) and Daniel Gooi (Pengkalan Kota).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Alvie Cheng