A Century of Excellence: Penang Badminton Association Celebrates 100 Years
The Penang badminton Association (PBA) is gearing up for a grand celebration to mark its 100th anniversary this year. The milestone event, themed “100 Years of Glory and Celebration,” promises to be a star-studded affair, bringing together badminton legends, current stars, and prominent figures from the sporting world.
Scheduled for November 22, 2025, at the Setia SPICE Convention Center, the gala dinner will honor the rich legacy of Penang badminton. distinguished guests expected to attend include Olympic medalist Chan Peng Soon and independent player Goh Jin Wei, alongside a constellation of past and present Penang state players, Malaysian Thomas and uber Cuppers, and representatives from the Badminton World Federation (BWF), badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
PBA President Datuk Kah Kau Kiak emphasized the significance of this momentous occasion. “Reaching 100 years is a remarkable achievement for any organization,especially one as deeply rooted in the sporting fabric of Penang as the PBA,” he stated.
Penang boasts a proud badminton heritage, with luminaries like datuk Eddy Choong, Datuk David Choong, Datuk Teh Kew San, and Datuk Lee Chong Wei, among many others, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. The centenary celebration aims to acknowledge and celebrate these icons, both past and present.
As Malaysia’s oldest badminton association,established a decade before the BWF and nine years before the BAM,PBA has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s badminton landscape.
To commemorate this historic milestone,PBA has planned several initiatives,including the production of 200 special-edition badminton racquets featuring the autographs of leading badminton players.Proceeds from the sale of these racquets will contribute to the association’s fundraising efforts.A commemorative book chronicling the PBA’s achievements and the stories of its players is also in the works.
The association has set a fundraising target of RM800,000 to RM1 million for the centenary celebration. As of November 20, 2024, PBA has already received over RM110,000 in donations from generous individuals, organizations, and well-wishers.Notable contributions include RM10,000 each from PBA President Datuk Kah Kau Kiak and well-wisher Jack Liew.
datuk Kah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all donors,highlighting the event’s endorsement by the state government.
The centenary celebration has also garnered support from state youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who congratulated PBA on its remarkable achievement.
Gooi noted the recent resurgence of badminton in Malaysia following the Paris Olympics, with a surge in participation and a renewed enthusiasm for the sport. This trend, he believes, underscores the growing recognition of badminton’s importance in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
“Badminton not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters teamwork and mental fortitude,” Gooi emphasized.
## A Century of Excellence: Celebrating 100 Years of the Penang Badminton Association
Welcome everyone, and a resounding congratulations to the Penang Badminton Association on reaching this remarkable milestone – a century of excellence! it’s an honor to be here today to celebrate the legacy of PBA and to look towards the future of badminton in Penang. [[1]]
As a seasoned moderator in the world of sports, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, passion, and unwavering spirit that drives athletes and associations like PBA to achieve greatness. A hundred years is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the generations of players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to this rich history. [[2]]
This anniversary is an possibility to reflect on the journey, to celebrate the triumphs, and to learn from the challenges. Let’s delve into the tapestry of PBA’s history, remembering the legendary players who have worn the Penang colors with pride, the coaches who have nurtured talent, and the countless fans who have cheered them on.
But let’s not just dwell on the past. This occasion is also a springboard for the future. What does the next century hold for PBA? How can we continue to foster a thriving badminton community in Penang?
I believe the key lies in nurturing young talent, promoting inclusivity, and embracing innovation. By investing in grassroots development, providing opportunities for everyone to participate, and exploring new training methods and technologies, PBA can continue to inspire generations to come. [[3]]
Throughout this special event, we’ll hear from past champions, current stars, and visionaries who will share their insights and perspectives. We’ll engage in lively discussions,celebrate achievements,and chart a course for the future.
So, let’s raise a toast to the Penang badminton Association, to a century of glory, and to many more years of success on the court!
