Kota Kinabalu crowned the overall champions
Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025
By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Dr. Soong opening the 37th State Inter-Affiliate Tennis Tournament. Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu team emerged as the overall champions in the 37th Sabah Chief Minister's Overall Challenge Trophy, reclaiming the title in a spirited showdown that once again confirmed its dominance in state tennis. Held from May 9 to 11 at the Likas Sports Complex, the prestigious tournament brought together seven district teams namely, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Keningau, Kuala Penyu, Semporna and Kota Belud in a three-day contest filled with grit and skill. Last year, Kota Kinabalu shared the championship with Sandakan after both teams finished with equal points. This year, however, the capital city's team claimed sole ownership of the title. The tournament, a highlight of Sabah's tennis calendar, continued to foster camaraderie among tennis players across the State, drawing participation from a wide spectrum of age groups and backgrounds. President of the Kota Kinabalu Lawn Tennis Association (KKLTA), Dr. Terrence Soong, explained the broader impact of the event. 'It is not merely a game or a contest, it's about solidarity and unity through sports. It inspires excellence and nurtures lifelong value. By participating in this tournament, players uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and foster a healthy, competitive environment,' said Dr. Soong. He also called on players to continue developing their skills in preparation for future national-level tournaments and praised the event's role in nurturing new talent. He took the opportunity to honour key figures who have contributed significantly to the sport in Sabah. He highlighted the dedication of William Lo, KKLTA's head coach for over four decades, for his commitment to developing young athletes. He also thanked Mohd Tahir DSP Kassim for his continued support for tennis in Kota Kinabalu and to other districts. Special recognition was given to Johnson Koh, immediate past president of the Sabah Tennis Association, for his 18 years of service, particularly in youth development, as well as to Datuk Idrus Shafie, former KKLTA president, for his instrumental role in revitalising the association. He also commended Joseph Balanjiu Jr., coach Tito Latoja and the KKLTA committee for their success in organising this year's tournament. As the teams battled for the coveted Chief Minister's Trophy, the excitement and energy on the courts reflected the growing strength and unity of Sabah's tennis fraternity. Sandakan Tennis Association president Silvester Lawai, who led a 36-member contingent, expressed pride in his team's performance despite not repeating last year's shared victory. 'We came back with strong determination. Our players were motivated and aimed to defend the title, but unfortunately, we didn't make it this time. We'll do our best next year,' he said. Among Sandakan's participants was the tournament's youngest player, 11-year-old Sandra Alicia, who took part in her first state-level competition—symbolising the bright future of Sabah tennis. Keningau's team, led by Rashid Ghani, brought a 41-member squad and participated in every category. Although they did not secure the overall title, Ghani emphasised the importance of participation and inspiring the next generation. 'Our goal was the championship, but what matters most is that our young players gain exposure and motivation,' he said, noting that the tournament's oldest player was 62, competing in the veteran category. Lahad Datu, led by Tham Kok Min, fielded 23 players. Tham reflected on their proud achievement in 2018 when they won the veteran's title, the last time the district held a trophy. He also acknowledged challenges in player development due to the lack of professional coaching in Lahad Datu. 'We have many talented juniors, but limited access to trained coaches hinders their growth. There's still much room for improvement in our grassroots programmes,' he added. With its blend of seasoned athletes, aspiring youth, and committed organisers, the 37th State Inter-Affiliate Tennis Tournament was more than just a battle for silverware, rather, a celebration of Sabah's vibrant and evolving tennis community. Results of the 37th Inter-affiliate Tennis Tournament: Junior Boys – Kota Kinabalu (champions), Sandakan (runners-up), Kota Belud (3rd place); Junior Girls – Kota Kinabalu (champions), Kota Belud (runners-up), Sandakan (3rd place); Ladies – Sandakan (champions), Kota Kinabalu (runners-up), Lahad Datu (3rd place); Men – Kota Kinabalu (champions), Sandakan (runners-up), Lahad Datu (3rd place); Veteran's Men – Kota Kinabalu (champions), Kota Belud (runners-up), Sandakan (3rd place). * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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