Miri to host 33rd regional veteran basketball tournament

MIRI (July 9): Miri will host the 33rd Asean Veteran Basketball Invitational Tournament taking place this Sept 5 to 9.

Organised by Miri Kinsar Basketball Club, the tournament expects 31 teams from five countries to compete in four categories, namely the 40, 50, 60, and 70 years old.

In a statement, event organising chairman Councillor Jeffery Phang said the tournament is one of the most highly anticipated basketball competitions in the region, with the 33rd edition being Miri’s second time hosting since 1998.

“Miri Kinsar Basketball Club, initially called Miri Kinsar Basketball Team, was established in 1983. For more than four decades, it has participated in numerous events in Miri and has made significant contributions to promote basketball in the region.

“As the tournament is hosted on a rotational basis by registered clubs under the Asean Veterans Committee, the opportunity for Miri to host this year is a golden chance,” said Phang.

The participating countries are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, with Miri Kinsar Basketball Club also inviting teams from Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Singapore.

“Thus far, 31 teams have confirmed their participation. Among the players are former national players and basketball talents from Asean countries, meaning we can expect an exciting tournament ahead,” said Phang.

The tournament will be held at three venues, namely Miri Indoor Stadium, SM Pei Min Basketball Court, and Miri Basketball Association Court, with games scheduled to be played from 8am to 6pm.