MIRI: The Westlake Miri Open Badminton Championship 2026 attracted nearly 600 players from 12 countries, making it one of the largest international badminton tournaments ever staged in northern Sarawak.
Held from Jul 31 to Aug 2, the championship brought together 589 players from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and several other countries, generating more than 1,500 entries across multiple categories ranging from junior to veteran divisions.
Closing the championship, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the tournament had evolved beyond a sporting competition into a regional platform that promotes Miri while generating tangible economic benefits for the city.
“Sports tourism is an important economic driver. Players and their families stay in our hotels, dine at local restaurants, shop in our businesses and experience Miri’s hospitality.
“Events such as this contribute directly to our local economy while raising the city’s international profile,” he said on Sunday (Aug 2).
Lee said the championship also reflected badminton’s enduring appeal across generations, with participants ranging from eight to 80 years old, including 136 junior players who represent the future of the sport.
He commended the organisers, Senadin Badminton Club and its partners, for successfully transforming a community tournament into an internationally recognised championship that continues to attract elite players and veteran champions from across the region.
The tournament also provided valuable exposure for Sarawak’s technical officials, including newly qualified tournament referees, while giving local players the opportunity to compete against experienced international opponents.
Indonesia’s Muhamad Rizqy Arya Diningrat captured the Men’s Open Singles title, while Lim Shin of Zero Force ProKennex emerged champion in the Women’s Open Singles.
In the doubles events, Addrall Atek Deavis and Barrie Chong Kwang Wei of PSR won the Men’s Open Doubles crown.
Westlake Brunei dominated the Women’s Open Doubles through Fong Yii Zhi and Goh Shuen Tong, while Ling Dai Hau and Goh Shuen Tong combined to secure the Mixed Open title.
Also present at the closing ceremony were Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang and Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
