KUALA LUMPUR — The newly launched NCT Junior Championships presents a golden opportunity for budding young badminton players to potentially participate in the prestigious Malaysia Purple League (MPL) upon its highly anticipated return.
Speaking to Scoop, former MPL chief executive Datuk Jack Koh unveiled the prospects for players from the junior championships to attract attention from clubs participating in the MPL.
“The NCT Junior Championships is expected to draw interest, as the participants in this championship are primarily young, grassroots players aged between nine and 16 years old who are not affiliated with any clubs or associations.
“This tournament is designed for emerging talents seeking a platform to showcase their skills.
“In the years to come, they may have the chance to be scouted by elite teams in the MPL, such as Petaling BC or Ampang Jaya BC, allowing them to compete with some of the best in the country,” Jack said.
A former badminton international and a gold medalist in the mixed doubles category at the 2006 Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Kedah, Jack also revealed that MPL is currently undergoing a rebranding process that will be reintroduced soon.
“We are currently in the process of rebranding the Malaysia Purple League Junior and Malaysia Purple League Corporate, and we will make an announcement soon.
“I would like to clarify that the NCT Junior Championships is not part of the MPL tournament list.
“However, it will provide a platform for young shuttlers to compete in the MPL and other established badminton championships across Malaysia,” he added.
Sponsored by NCT Alliance, a well-known property developer in Malaysia, the NCT Junior Championships sets its sights on nurturing the bright future of young badminton talents nationwide.
As an added incentive, participants in the championships will also receive an exclusive opportunity for an all-inclusive trip to witness the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who was present at the launch of the Road to NCT Junior Badminton Championships yesterday, expressed his support for initiatives contributing to the development of young talent in the country, particularly in sports.
“I commend the NCT Alliance for their dedication to empowering our youth through sports.
“This collaboration, along with the upcoming Road to NCT Junior Badminton Championships, represents positive steps towards a brighter future in Malaysian sports as we invest in our next generation of champions,” said Norza.
The championships will be held in five different states — Selangor, Pahang, Penang, Melaka, and Sabah.
Each leg will feature four categories — under-9, under-11, under-13, and under-15, with winners advancing to the grand finals.
The most promising talents will be selected for centralised training with Petaling BC, recognised for nurturing young talents, including world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
Man Wei Chong and Chen Tang Jie were also trained under their guidance. — November 3, 2023