THE Penang government is in the process of identifying suitable places to build more beach volleyball courts in the state.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said this is to attract and find new talents in beach volleyball to represent Penang.
“We want to provide the best and convenient facility for the youths to play and train in this sport.
“At the same time, beach volleyball also can be a form of exercise for people after work.
“With many beach volleyball courts in Penang, it would be easier for the state government also to organise any state and international level competitions.
“This can also turn Penang into a sports powerhouse,” said Soon in his speech during the prize giving ceremony of the Malaysia Open Beach Volleyball Championship 2021 today.
The prestigious tournament was organised by NBL International Sdn Bhd with the support from the Penang government. It was sanctioned by Malaysia Volleyball Association (MAVA) and Penang Volleyball Association (PVA).
The four-day tournament for men and women from Dec 9 to 12 was held at the public beach in front of Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the competition as guest of honour, congratulated all the participating teams and the winners.
“First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the organising committee for successfully organising the Malaysia Open Beach Volleyball Championship 2021 this year.
“Heartiest congratulations also to all 37 elite teams, which consist of 23 men’s team and 14 women’s team, for participating in this edition of the tournament in Penang.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit our country last year, the sports and recreation sector has also been no exception to bear a considerable impact.
“Various sports events had to be postponed or completely cancelled, including the international sports events and all types of tournaments at the state and national levels.
“And by organising the Malaysia Open Beach Volleyball Championship tournament in Penang, it helps to give some relief and opens a new chapter in helping to revive the sports and recreation sector in the state.
“Thus, on behalf of the state government, I also hope many more sports tournaments such as this one would be held in Penang after this,” said Chow at the tournament during the prize giving ceremony today.
Also present were state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua, MAVA president Hean Boon Yeow and PVA president Datuk Seri Yeoh Cheng Bah.
Soon said the beach volleyball tournament is held over three series, with the first already completed in Shah Alam (Selangor) from Dec 3 to 5, the second in Penang from Dec 9 to 12 and the third in Johor Danga Bay Open from Dec 17 to 19.
He said the competition also served as a platform to find new talents for beach volleyball sports.
“The team which attains the most points at the end of the third leg will be selected to represent Malaysia for the upcoming 31st SEA Games, which will be held in Hanoi on May 12 until 23 and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England on July 28 until Aug 8 next year,” he added.
The full list of the winners for the Malaysia Open Beach Volleyball Championship 2021 (second series) are as follows:
Men’s category:
First place: BHL Energy Selangor A
Second place: HM Volleyball Malaysia
Third place: Kekal Mahir
Fourth place: BHL Energy Marine
Women’s category:
First place: BHL Energy Selangor A
Second place: DNA Penanti
Third place: Johor B
Fourth place: BHL Energy Selangor B
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Chan Kok Kuan