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Kota Kinabalu: The annual Sabah China Friendship Table Tennis competition was successfully held at the Kian Kok Middle School hall on Saturday.

The one-day event organised by Daily Express, Overseas Chinese Daily News and Consulate General of People’s Republic of China co-hosted by Alan Table Tennis Club attracted a total of 64 players throughout the State.

The closing ceremony was attended by Sabah Publishing House Deputy General Manager Dexter Yeh and Chinese Consul-General in Kota Kinabalu Dr Zhu Xingtong.

Zhu in his speech stressed that sports are the bond that connects people and the channel for cultural exchange.

“As China’s national sport, table tennis is not only a competitive game but also a language of friendship. In the early 70’s, the historic exchange of table tennis teams between China and United States broke the ice in Sino-US relations.

“Much like the days of ‘ping-pong diplomacy’, this tiny ball still bounces with the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding.

“The ‘China-Sabah Friendship’ series of activities is not only about promoting cultural and sports exchanges, but also about carrying our shared aspiration for the bright future of China-Malaysia friendship,” he said.

He was also impressed with the presence of many youth players taking part in the competition.

“Seeing so many students brought together by their love for table tennis warms my heart. Youth represent the hope of a nation and the inheritors of friendship.

“I believe with the joint efforts of the younger generation, the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia will continue to grow.”

He also expressed his appreciation to Sabah Publishing House Managing Director Datuk Clement Yeh and Dexter for their long-standing support for the cause of China and Sabah friendship. 

“Sabah Publishing House, as one of the State’s most influential media institutions with well-known newspapers such as Overseas Chinese Daily News and Daily Express-has long been committed to enhancing mutual understanding between our peoples and vividly showcasing the journey of China-Malaysia exchanges and cooperation. 

“The successful organisation of this event is yet another example of our joint efforts to deepen friendship and strengthen people-to-people exchanges,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dexter said the event further highlighted the growing strong ties between Sabah and China following 51 years of diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China that have forged solid connections in trade, culture and education.

He expressed his gratitude to Zhu for his presence and appreciated his continued support and dedication in fostering closer relations between China and Sabah.

He also thanked Alan Table Tennis Club and Hokkien Youth Association as well as all the players for their support to make the event a success.

Meanwhile, two age categories for both boys and girls doubles events were held in the competition and the top three winners in each category were: Boys Under-10: (1) Aiden Chieng Yu Kang/Anson Yang Kai Jie, (2) Calvin Chieng Yu An/Bryan Chieng Yu Hong, (3) Liciano Yong Bing Xie/Ayden Thien Yu Hong, Angon Mah Kai Yuan/Ethan Law Kiong Rui. Girls Under-10: (1) Atena Ting Zhi Wei/Joyce Ling Xiao Xuan, (2) Lim Xin Yi/Lim Xin Ke, (3) Daria Jane Joseph/Nur Adelia Sofea Yakop @ Rahman, Amalie Emmy Chong/Chloe Ng Yee Ting. Boys Under-18: (1) Ngui Ze Yen/Jayden Lim Jia Fan, (2) Mohd Zamil Najib Mohd Zaini/Voo Zheng Yan, (3) Laindy Zeroon Damius/Jackie Wilson Wong Tze Jack, Loi Min En/Loi Min Cheng. Girls Under-18: (1) Dona Lim Yi Fei/Madeline Allen Quek Zhen Ling, (2) Ngui Ze Xin/Hypatia Chong Fang Ning, (3) Murrie May/Leisha Wong Yuan Feng.