C. Khor
The Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) and Penang Basketball Association (PBA) joined forces to host the inaugural ‘Talent Scouting Camp’ in Penang.
Held on Saturday, April 27th at the Han Chiang Stadium, the camp focussed on identifying and nurturing young Malay basketball talent.
The half-day event provided a platform for 132 children under 12 years old to showcase their skills.
Identifying potential and fostering development
The camp saw participation from 59 girls and 71 boys representing six national schools across Penang Island: SK Bayan Baru, SK Batu Maung, SK Sungai Batu, SK Permatang Damar Laut, SK Mutiara Perdana, and SK Titi Teras.
A team of experienced coaches guided the young players. Six coaches from MABA and PBA provided expert instruction, while twenty-six volunteer players aged 13-16 from the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) lent their support.
“This is the first time a development and talent scouting event is held in Penang,” said Liew Yong Choon, Chairman of MABA’s National Community Basketball Development Committee.
“After today, PBA will follow up with further basketball clinics,” he added. Liew, a retired Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and former manager of the gold medal-winning 1989 SEA Games national men’s team, expressed confidence in discovering hidden talents among the participants.
Promoting inclusivity through basketball
The event also aimed to address the misconception of basketball being a predominantly Chinese sport in Malaysia.
Liew emphasized the importance of inclusivity: “The objective of this event is to promote racial integration, harmony, and enhance national unity through basketball.”
He highlighted the growing participation of non-Chinese Malaysians, citing Universiti Teknologi MARA’s strong university basketball team as an example.
“Today, there are more than half a million non-Chinese basketball players including Indians, Sikhs, and the indigenous people,” he remarked.
Dato’ Ooi Khoon Yeong, Deputy President of MABA and President of PBA, echoed Liew’s sentiments.
“Basketball is a game that everybody can play and should not be confined to a certain portion of the community,” he said, underlining the unifying power of sports.
The event’s opening ceremony was graced by Dr Wee Akina Sia Seng Lee, Principal Assistant Director of the Sports, Cocurricular and Arts Division of the Ministry of Education.
Committee members from the National Community Basketball Development Committee were also present.
This initiative by MABA and PBA signifies a positive step towards fostering a more inclusive and vibrant basketball scene in Malaysia.
By nurturing young talent and promoting participation across ethnicities, they hope to build a strong foundation for future success in the sport.
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