Veteran cagers play for honour and friendship in Miri

MIRI (Sept 11): Top honours in the four age groups were shared among the Philippines, Indonesia and Sarawak in the 33rd Asean Veteran Basketball Tournament held here from Sept 5 to 9.

However, organisers stressed that goodwill and friendship were stressed as much as competition during the five-day tournament.

The Philippines topped the oldest age category (70s) when Filipino Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) beat Sarawak Hornbill in the final. Meteor Basketball of Pontianak, Indonesia was third after defeating Hatyai from Thailand.

The final for the 60s was an all-Indonesian affair as Buls Asaba overcame Meteor. Kinsar Basketball (Miri) finished third after beating Sawat D Hatyai of Thailand. Indonesian dominance was extended when Buls Asaba Red defeated brotherhood team Buls Asaba White in the final for plaers in their 50s. Kinsar gave Miri fans something to cheer when they defeated Sarawak Hornbill in the match for third place.

Sarawak players finally won a title when CH3 Kuching beat Indonesia’s Asaba in the 40s final. Kinsar finished third again with victory over Club 51 (KL).

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Monday, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting hailed the success of the tournament held in Miri and said it offered foreign players a unique experience of Sarawak’s charm and culture.

“Sports, especially basketball, have long transcended the competition itself, becoming an important bridge for enhancing cultural exchanges and promoting regional cooperation,” he added in his speech read by councillor Leslie Lau.

Asean Veteran Basketball Conference president Mah Poi Sang commended the organisers for what he said was the best by far in tournament’s long history. The 34th edition will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia next year.