In search of junior badminton talent nationwide, the 'Road to NCT' Junior Badminton Championship recently landed in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Launched by NCT Alliance Berhad (NCT Alliance) in partnership with Petaling
Badminton Club (Petaling BC), the championship’s Sabah qualifying round was a resounding success, attracting over 500 youth participants and a crowd of 1,500 attendees at Olympia Badminton Arena, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Reflecting NCT Alliance’s commitment to nurturing young talent in badminton, one of the country’s most beloved sports, the championship advocates healthy competition and cultivating essential values such as perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship, while championing the company’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles through contributions to social development.
On the final day of the Sabah qualifier, NCT Alliance hosted a group of children aged 7 to 18 from Rumah Amal Kasih to watch the junior players in action. On hand to add to the excitement were NCT Alliance brand ambassadors and rising badminton stars Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, who made a special appearance. In a heartwarming gesture, the badminton virtuosos joined the children from Rumah Amal Kasih for a friendly round of badminton. In addition to sharing tips on the sport and words of encouragement, the children were presented with gifts by Mr Chau Chun Hoo, Chief Operating Officer of NCT Alliance Berhad.
Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of NCT Alliance Berhad Dato Sri Yap Ngan Choy said, "Our goal is to ignite the passion for badminton among the children of Rumah Amal Kasih by offering them a unique opportunity to interact and train with Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun. Through this experience, we aim to inspire them to strive for excellence in the sport, while instilling in them the belief that with dedication and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to."
The event was graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister II and State Minister of Housing and Local Government of Sabah, who is also the ADUN of Kundasang.
Dato Sri Yap Ngan Choy added, “We are pleased to witness the 'Road to NCT' championship's impact is extending beyond the courts and nurturing potential badminton stars by embedding essential values that will help shape our youth. This allows us to do our part to shine the spotlight on badminton and simultaneously, inspire the development of Malaysia's youth through inclusive ways. Supporting youth and communities across the country remains vital to how we fulfill our ESG responsibilities and grow as a company.”
The tournament culminated in a display of extraordinary skill and sportsmanship across 14 categories. Winners from each state will stand a chance to advance and compete in the finale 'Road to NCT' Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur, bringing them one step closer to potentially joining the ranks of their badminton heroes.
Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister II and State Minister of Housing and Local Government of Sabah, and ADUN of Kundasang said “The 'Road to NCT' Junior Badminton Championship serves as a remarkable platform for our youth, laying the foundation for a brighter future through healthy competition. We encourage more companies to step forward with initiatives prioritizing youth, offering them with opportunities to showcase their potential while fostering a conducive environment for growth and development. Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that their aspirations are realized, while collectively contributing to the advancement of our country's sporting scene.”
In addition to the thrill of competition, participants are vying for the grand prize which is an opportunity to win a complimentary trip to Paris, where they can immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere of the 2024 Olympic Games. The once-ina-lifetime experience holds a special significance, especially for those who aspire to represent Malaysia on the global Olympic platform.
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Mansur Asun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Sabah, stated, "The importance of sports cannot be overstated. Today, I was pleased to witness the strong willpower and high spirits displayed by these young stars on the courts. The determination to give their best shot was evident, showcasing the kind of drive Malaysia needs to nurture future champions. I commend NCT Alliance and Petaling BC for their commitment to supporting youth development in Malaysia. The State is fully prepared to support initiatives empowering the young generation and will continue to strive for excellence in elevating the standard of sports for all Sabahans to thrive.”
As the baton passes to the upcoming Pulau Pinang qualifier, the journey of ‘Road to NCT’ continues to unfold, bringing more stories of youthful ambition, community and sportsmanship to light.
For more details about the 'Road to NCT' Junior Badminton Championship, please visit https://petalingbc.com/nct-junior/.
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