By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, Feb 21 — The historic success of the national men's squad in winning their maiden Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) title yesterday was celebrated by more than 1,000 supporters.
Shouts of ‘Congratulations’, ‘I love you, Malaysia’ were heard at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) here, after the victory points were won by the country's second singles shuttler, Ng Tze Yong.
The chairman of the Tournament Organising Committee Mohd Khairuddin Othman said the total number of supporters covered spectators inside the convention centre and those outside who watched the match on the giant display screen.
"This is an exciting moment for sports in Selangor because we are the first state to organise an international-level competition after two years (of Covid-19 pandemic)," he said.
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Spectators during the 2022 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) at the Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, on February 19, 2022. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Mohd Khairuddin who is also state executive councillor for sports congratulated the players on their fighting spirit and enthusiasm in playing for the country’s honour.
"We are also proud because, for the first time in history, Malaysia won this Asian championship title and prouder because we are the host," he said.
The six-day tournament from February 15 was sponsored by the Selangor government and its subsidiary companies such as the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI and Invest Selangor.
This is the first time Selangor hosted the BATC which is coordinated by MSNS in collaboration with Badminton Asia and BAM.
