18-05-2025
Game-changer for Sabah tennis: STA
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025
By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: The newly formed committee with their slogan, 'Nurturing Talent, Shaping Champions'. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Tennis Association (STA) central committee met recently for the 2025–2027 term and representatives unanimously elected the STA team from seven district associations recently. The newly formed committee, under new President Dr. Terrence Soong, pledged to prioritise grassroots development and infrastructure expansion, particularly in under-served districts such as Kota Belud, Semporna, and Kuala Penyu.
Advertisement Bridging the gap in tennis infrastructure for all over Sabah is the committee's main agenda. Soong said that plans to construct a tennis complex in Kota Belud are in the final stages of approval, and thanks collaborative efforts with the Sabah Sports Board (LSS) and the Ministry of Sports, Sabah. 'Our goal is to ensure no district is left behind. Kota Belud's facility will mirror the refurbished courts in Sandakan, providing youth with access to training facilities,' he said during a press briefing. The initiative also goes to Semporna and Kuala Penyu, where infrastructure remained limited.
Advertisement The projects align with STA's renewed slogan, 'Nurturing Talent, Shaping Champions,' which marked its commitment in cultivating future stars while fostering inclusively in the sport. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Soong announced plans to revitalise tennis activities in Tawau and Kudat, where local associations have been dormant. 'Tawau and Kudat have produced talented players in the past. By reactivating these associations, we hope to re-ignite interest and create pathways for competitive play,' he said. The move is expected to bolster participation in regional tournaments and strengthen Sabah's presence in national circuits. The 9-member Central Committee comprised representatives from urban and rural districts, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making. Key appointees include seasoned administrators, coaches, and former athletes, all tasked with driving STA's four-year strategic plane the emphasis was mainly for youth development programmes, coach certification initiatives, and partnerships with schools to integrate tennis into physical education curricula. Local coaches and players have also welcomed the committee's progressive vision. 'This is a game-changer for districts like Kota Belud. Access to proper courts will motivate young athletes to take the sport seriously,' said Mahmuddin, president of Kota Belud Tennis association. They came 3rd in the overall standings, their highest ever ranking, in the recent 37th Sabah State Inter Affiliate Tennis Championships. With the newly formed committee, STA is poised to transform Sabah into a tennis hub for Borneo and outside of the State. The association's immediate focus included the facilitation of construction of new tennis courts in districts without tennis courts, upgrading existing tennis courts and hosting inter-district tournaments to scout emerging talent. With their new slogan, the journey to 'shape champions', begins with empowering every corner of Sabah, one court at a time. ELECTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESIDENT - Dr. Terrence Soong (KK) VICE PRESIDENT – Sylvester Lawai (Sandakan) HONORARY SECRETARY – Irwan Isdup (KK) HONORARY TREASURER – Mahezzuan Masdah (Kuala Penyu) COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Aaron Bradley Masikam (KK), Christopher Lim (Sandakan), Mohd. Firdaus Sukor (Kota Belud), Rasyid bin Abdul Ghani (Keningau) and Tham Kok Min (Lahad Datu). * 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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