Pulau Besar kicks off TMM2024 with sports challenge

Pulau Besar witnessed the gathering of 55 participants, both local and from outside Melaka, for the Pulau Besar New Year Challenge 2.0 sports event.

Organised as part of Visit Melaka 2024 (TMM2024), this event kicks off a series of sports activities aimed at attracting more participants and promoting Melaka as a tourist destination.

Sports showcase Pulau Besar

Datuk Zaidi Attan, Deputy Exco for Tourism, Heritage, Arts, and Culture, highlighted the significance of the Pulau Besar New Year Challenge 2.0 as the inaugural program in the TMM2024 calendar.

He expressed the intention to diversify sports events to draw tourists to Melaka and promote Pulau Besar and the Melaka Marine Park.

“In addition to organizing sports events, indirectly we can promote Pulau Besar and the Melaka Marine Park to participants, especially those coming from outside Melaka.

Through sports, it can help promote Melaka,” Zaidi stated during a press conference held after officiating the Opening Ceremony and Prize Presentation.

ATM triumph in Mixed & Male categories

The event, graced by the Chief Executive Officer of the Melaka Islands Development Council (MPPM), Azhar Yaacob, featured kayaking, running, and cycling competitions.

Zaidi, who also serves as the State Assemblyman for Serkam, expressed satisfaction in seeing participants not only from Melaka but also from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Terengganu.

“With the success of this event, it will serve as a guide for us to organize larger-scale events, including the participation of foreign participants,” Zaidi added.

He outlined the event’s positive impact in promoting Melaka domestically and internationally.

The Pulau Besar New Year Challenge 2.0 comprised two categories: mixed groups and male groups. The ATM Sports Team emerged as the champion in the mixed team category, while the ATM team (Team A) secured victory in the male team category.

Zaidi hinted at the planning of larger-scale sports events to further elevate Melaka’s profile on the global stage. The success of the Pulau Besar New Year Challenge 2.0, with participants from diverse regions, serves as a promising foundation for future endeavors.

This event not only fosters a spirit of sportsmanship but also positions Melaka as a vibrant and attractive destination, aligning with the goals of Visit Melaka 2024.

Source: Melaka Hari Ini