MESSAGE FROM THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHIEF MINISTER OF SARAWAK
PEHIN SRI HAJI ABDUL TAIB MAHMUD
S.B.S., D.K. (JOHOR), D.K. (PAHANG), D.P., P.S.M., S.P.D.K., S.U.M.W.,
S.S.D.K., S.S.A.P., D.G.S.M., D.P.P.N., S.S.S.A., S.P.M.T., KT.W.E. (THAILAND),
KEPN (INDONESIA), S.P.M.B. (BRUNEI), K.O.U. (KOREA), AO (AUSTRALIA), P.C.D.
Once again, I am glad to pen a few words in the conjunction with the 15th
Chief Minister’s Cup (I) ITF World Junior Tennis Championship (Grade 1)
which will be held from 16-21 March 2010.
On behalf of the State Government of Sarawak, I would like to take this
opportunity to welcome all players and officials from all over the world to
Kuching, Sarawak. Thank you for your participation and indeed it is commendable
of you to travel from as far as USA, South Africa, Europe, Russian and etc. to
compete in this prestigious world ranking event. I have been informed that the
accumulation of these ranking points from various ITF Junior tournaments during
the year will ultimately determines your position in the ITF world ranking.
I know that it never been easy to bid for ongoing international event but
Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) has a proven track record since
1999. It is indeed leading into the right direction towards promoting Sarawak as
international sport destination. There are only 4 ITF World Junior Grade 1 events
held in Asia i.e Thailand, Sarawak, Philippines, and Japan.
Congratulations to the organizing Chairman, Patrick Liew, committee
members and officials for having successfully organized the recently concluded
ITF Asian U-14 Grade 1 Tournament held in January 2010 in Kuching. I am sure
after having organized so many international junior tournaments successfully,
players from Sarawak must have benefited a lot by their participation in these high
level competitive tennis. I hope some of your budding young players will
represent the country and become professional players in future.
I was also made to understand that SLTA will be given the honour to host
many international events this year. SLTA will be busy again after the 15th
Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup (I) ITF World Junior Tennis Championship 2010
(Grade 1) as it will followed by the holding of Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed
Cup, Asian U-14, 16th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup (II), ITF World Junior
Championship (Grade 3) and highlight of the International Tournament will be the
ITF Professional Women Circuit (USD 10K) which will be hosted at the year end.
Once again my heartiest congratulations to SLTA for being given the trust
to host international events by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). To all the
players and officials, welcome and have pleasant stay in Kuching, Sarawak.
Although you have a busy schedule, please do give yourself time to see the scenic
places as well as savour our famous local delicacies.
[ PEHIN SRI HAJI ABDUL TAIB MAHMUD ]
Chief Minister of Sarawak