THE Chief Minister’s Cup Badminton Tournament 2025 is making a comeback for its third edition this November, promising two days of competitive packed action at the Penang Chinese Recreation Club (CRC) in George Town.
The preliminary round robin stage will take place on Nov 1 (Saturday) from 8am to 6pm, followed by the semi-finals and finals on Nov 2 (Sunday) from 9am to 5pm.
The tournament will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony and dinner at Lee Sih Chong Soo from 7.30pm to 10pm the same night.
The event is jointly organised by the Batu Kawan parliamentary service centre and the Padang Kota service centre.
Chief Minister’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee said the championship has grown into a meaningful platform for Penangites to stay active and strengthen community ties through sports.
“Bringing this tournament back shows our commitment to building unity and sportsmanship. It’s a chance for Penangites, especially grassroots players, to compete under the Chief Minister’s Cup banner,” he told Buletin Mutiara at the launch.
Lau said the competition is open to Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above who are registered voters and residents of Penang.
“Each team needs to have at least 10 players, including a team captain. The tournament rules will be carried out in accordance with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) ruling approved by the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
“All players, team managers and reserves are required to submit copies of their MyKad for verification. This ensures only eligible participants are taking part.
“We want to be clear that this championship is for Penangites. Every participant must be a Malaysian citizen who resides in Penang, and our team will verify voter status with the Election Commission.
“For those who are not registered voters in Penang but who are working or studying here, we will accept proof of employment or a valid student card with supporting documents,” Lau explained.
Teams of 10 players will compete in women’s doubles (open), mixed doubles (open), men’s doubles (combined age 60) and men’s doubles (combined age 90, with players aged 40 and above).
Former national players and current state players are barred from taking part, though former state shuttlers are allowed to compete.
Lau added that each team will be required to pay a registration fee of RM1,500, with payment to be made to Kelab Bolasepak Timuran via Public Bank with an account number of 3-2283813-22.
The fees will also cover the dinner that will be taking place at Lee Sih Chong Soo.
“This is a people’s tournament, not a professional circuit. We want it to remain accessible so that everyday Penangites can take part and feel proud to represent their communities,” Lau added.
The tournament offers attractive cash prizes, with the champions set to take home RM10,000. The runners-up will receive RM7,000, while both losing semi-finalist teams will each walk away with RM3,000.
The closing date for the tournament is Oct 10 at 5pm.
For more details, participants can contact coordinators Rachel Teh at 010-4417749 or Jason Ng at 012-7680678.
Those keen to register themselves can scan the QR code below for more details.
Among those present during the launch were legal adviser Datuk Lim Choo Hooi, Kelab Sukan Timuran vice-president Andy Yeap, alongside Batu Kawan parliamentary and Padang Kota service centres’ staff.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian