KUCHING: The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) has presented a RM5,000 incentive to national shuttler Wong Ling Ching in recognition of her bronze medal achievement at the SEA Games 2025.
SBA honorary secretary Datuk Dr Wan Khalik recently visited Wong at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara to check on her progress and present the incentive.
At the SEA Games in Thailand, Wong reached the women’s singles semi-final before a close 21‑11, 18‑21, 21‑17 defeat to former world champion Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, clinching Malaysia’s first women’s singles medal at the Games since 2019.
“The contribution reflects SBA’s appreciation of her dedication, achievements and continued efforts to raise the profile of Sarawak badminton,” Wan Khalik told Sarawak Tribune.
He said the incentive formed part of the association’s commitment to supporting Sarawak athletes representing Malaysia at major international competitions.
“SBA remains committed to supporting elite players from the state and strengthening the pathway for future badminton talent,” he said.
Earlier in her career, the 22-year-old from Miri created history at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) by winning Sarawak’s first-ever women’s singles gold medal in badminton.
Wong, currently ranked World No 41, also enjoyed a strong start to the year when she reached her maiden Super 300 semi-final after defeating India’s World No 48 Isharani Baruah 18-21, 21-16, 21-13 in 64 minutes.
She then faced fellow Malaysian Goh Jin Wei in the semi-final at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, narrowly losing 17‑21, 21‑17, 21‑16 in 57 minutes.
Her SEA Games achievement was also highlighted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Games (SUKSAR) IV closing ceremony, assuring the state’s recognition of her success.
