THE ‘Piala Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang 2024’ Championships came to an end today with a special gala dinner organised to honour its participants for their support in the tournament, held for the second consecutive time.
Belleview emerged as the overall champion, securing the coveted ‘Piala Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang’ and a cash prize of RM5,000 after beating Rocket in the men’s doubles (21/13, 21/9), women’s doubles (13/21, 21/16, 21/19), and mixed doubles (21/15, 15/21, 21/18).
Rockets, as the runners-up, won RM2,000, along with a trophy and medals for all its participating players.
Both Belleview and Rocket booked their spots in the grand finale after successfully winning the ‘Piala Penang2030’ and ‘Piala LovePenang’ on Oct 12 and 13 held on the island and mainland.
They bagged RM5,000 each, in addition to a trophy and a medal each for all the players.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised the players for their active participation, noting the 21 teams that took part in the tournament, surpassing last year’s 16 teams.
“I strongly believe this tournament was not merely about bringing people together and building relationships but it was also meant to build an active community with a high fighting spirit in whatever we do.
“It is hoped that through such initiatives, we will be able to produce more top-notch athletes like the legendary Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Chan Peng Soon, Lim Khim Wah, and Ong Ewe Hock, all of whom are the pride of Penang,” Chow said in his speech during the dinner at Lee Sih Chong Soo at Jalan Burma in George Town today.
In the ‘Piala Penang2030’, Penang Forward Sports Club A came out as runners-up, winning RM3,000, and Badminators and G Lead shared third place, bagging RM1,000 each.
In the ‘Piala LovePenang’, Le Vacation secured second place (RM3,000), with Penang Forward Sports Club B and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) tying for three place (RM1,000 each).
During the gala, participants enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and various lucky draw prizes featuring branded badminton racquets, mobile phones, bicycles, and motorcycles.
Also present during the dinner were Chow’s senior confidential secretary Mohd Balkish Othman and political secretary Lau Keng Ee, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua, and Batu Kawan parliamentary and Padang Kota state constituency service centres director Ewe Chee Way and Penang Forward Sports Club chairman Lim Choo Hooi.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis