KUCHING: The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) has outlined plans to stage the Sarawak Open and strengthen coaching collaborations statewide.
SBA’s Honorary Secretary, Datuk Dr Wan Khalik Wan Muhammad, told Sarawak Tribune today at the SBA Hall, that the initiative marks a new era for the sport in Sarawak, aiming to create more competitive platforms while building a stronger developmental pathway for players of all ages.
“The Sarawak Open has not been held for possibly more than 10 years, and we believe it is time to bring it back,” he said.
Unlike age-group tournaments, the Sarawak Open would be open to players above 18 years old, attracting both national and potentially international competitors.
“In Malaysia, there are many junior-level tournaments – under-12, under-16, under-18 – but after SUKMA, there are limited opportunities for shuttlers in their early 20s.
“The Sarawak Open will provide a proper competition platform for them to continue,” he explained.
Wan Khalik said SBA hopes that Sarawak Open can also inspire other states to organise similar tournaments, boosting Malaysia’s badminton scene and bridging the gap with neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, where players have access to more competitions.
At the same time, SBA is looking to strengthen coaching development across Sarawak through closer collaboration with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS).
“Currently, SBA has five coaches, but by working with SSC and MSNS, we can maximise resources, share expertise, and support local coaches across divisions,” he said.
He added that such partnerships would help SBA identify and nurture more talent from grassroots to elite level, ensuring Sarawak continues to produce players capable of advancing to the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) Talent Identification and Development programme.
“This is part of our long-term plan; we must start from the grassroots, provide transparent selection through tournaments, and then create higher-level opportunities like the Sarawak Open.
“Together, with support from state bodies and local clubs, we can restore Sarawak’s reputation as a badminton powerhouse,” he said.
