KUCHING: Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep lauded Bau’s growing grassroots tennis scene, where even 60-year-olds are picking up rackets – a sign of the sport’s inclusive and intergenerational appeal.
He said tennis has helped bring communities together, from the young to senior first-timers.
“Today, I brought many of our community members from Bau – from the very young to the very old. Some of them only started playing tennis at 60.
“This is how we build tennis in Bau, in our villages – through passion and community.
“Today, they are very happy to be part of this Gawai event and to have the opportunity to play on this beautiful court,” he said in his address at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) Gawai celebrations on Saturday.
Henry also praised Sarawak’s tennis leadership for raising the state’s profile, noting that Sarawak now has the best tennis courts in Malaysia, as acknowledged by Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan.
“We have a lot of tournaments, including international tournaments. All of this did not happen overnight. It came through years of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Congratulations to everyone involved,” he said.
He also acknowledged the growing popularity of pickleball, noting that while tennis remains close to many hearts, it is important to support other sports that keep people active and healthy.
“Let them play pickleball, badminton, ping pong, football – what matters is that we have a healthy community,” he said.
Apart from that, he highlighted the potential of sports as a driver of tourism and economic growth, pointing to Sarawak’s success in attracting international tennis visitors.
He expressed hope that sports like tennis could be included in regional events such as the Borneo Games, even suggesting masters categories for players aged 30 and above to help attract sports tourists.
“Tennis is more than a game – it’s a way to bring people together. In Bau, the point is ‘love all’ – and we extend that love to everyone,” he added.
