By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 13 — In conjunction with Badminton Asia Team Championship (BATC) 2024, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has today reflected on the outstanding Selangor badminton players who have represented Malaysia in both national and international competitions.
He said among the exceptional figures who hailed from Selangor and represented the country on a global stage are Razif Sidek and Misbun Sidek.
Amirudin also expressed his appreciation on behalf of the state administration for the opportunity to host the biennial tournament again.
“We are glad to have the opportunity to host the BATC 2024 for the second time.
“And as the most developed state, we have represented and produced athletes for Malaysia and at the international level,” he said in his welcoming speech while officiating at the Selangor BATC 2024 at Setia Alam Convention Centre, here today.
The BATC 2024 will be held for six days, starting today to February 18.
Over 300 players, including world-class participants from Japan, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, India, and Thailand, will compete in the prestigious championship.
Meanwhile, the BATC 2024 is anticipated to draw up to 15,000 spectators during its six-day event.
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Najwan Halimi also stated that he hopes to see the Malaysian badminton athletes reach at least the quarterfinals.
“Our expectation is for a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 throughout the entire six-day event, which will also be broadcast live on the Astro Arena channel.
“We hope to see the Malaysia team at least be able to advance to the quarter-finals in the group category,” he told reporters when met at the event launch at Setia Alam Convention Centre, here today.
Meanwhile, running concurrently with the biennial tournament is the Selangor Havoc Food Festival 2024, bringing together 160 food entrepreneurs from across the state.
Najwan, when met earlier at the food festival, said that the six-day event offers various exciting activities, such as hot air balloon rides this Saturday and Sunday.
