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TAWAU: For the first time, futsal is being contested as an official event in the 11th Sabah Games (Saga XI), marking a significant milestone in the sport’s development in the state.

Director of the Saga XI Futsal Competition, Mohamad Mizan Rashidi, said a total of 19 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams are participating in the event, which kicked off Saturday, and runs until October 16.

“This is the first time futsal has been included as one of the official events in the Sabah Games. I hope this sport will continue to receive recognition in future editions of the games.

“Through futsal, we can provide a platform for young players to showcase their talents and be developed for higher levels of competition,” he said when met by reporters at Stadio De Futsal.

He added that the preliminary rounds began Saturday, while the knockout stage will take place at SG Futsal Court from October 14 to 16.

Besides futsal, the sepak takraw competition also began Saturday and is expected to conclude on October 15, while the netball competition at Tawau Futsal Centre features eight teams representing Kota Kinabalu, Ranau, Keningau, Sandakan, Tawau, Kota Marudu, and Sipitang.