KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Sept – The young and the old took to the tennis courts in Sandakan not only to forge unity but also to show the true spirit of “Merdeka” as Malaysia celebrated its 63rd National day on Aug 31 day.
It was simply a case of showing “patriotism and loyalty” especially to the young said Sabah Tennis Association (STA) president Johnson Koh who is also the patron of the Sandakan District Tennis Association (SDTA).
He described them as “tennis crazy” and their show of patriotism came via friendly tennis matches which were played over two days to celebrate Merdeka according to the strict standard operating procedure (SOP) in view of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Johnson, who led STA later partnered Rabahin Masdik in the last veteran doubles tie to clinch a thrilling 9-8 win over Herman Abdullah and Iruwan M of SDTA. STA walked away 6-5 winners against SDTA who called themselves ”Warriors”.
The rest of the matches were also closed fought affairs.
It was also a test for the Sabah’s juniors who will carry the East Malaysians challenge in the Johor Sukma which is now rescheduled to be held in March next year. Sukma Johor 2020 was earlier scheduled to be in July this year but was postponed because of the pandemic.
”Patriotism and loyalty to Malaysia and Sabah are of utmost importance and this was displayed on the tennis courts,” said Johnson who added that it will be an annual affair to promote unity in the country.
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