Kota Kinabalu: The 44th Milo Malaysia Junior & Cadet Table Tennis Championships 2026, which kicked off at Maksak hall here on Wednesday, plays a vital role in developing the sport.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan highlighted that such tournaments achieve far more than just crowning a champion.
“They serve as a vital platform for us to identify, mould and nurture young talents who have the potential to become the future successors of the national squad.
“Every athlete who achieves success at the elite level starts from a single point. They begin with training, competitions, victories and defeats. They must learn to manage pressure, address their weaknesses and try again.
“That is why youth and cadet-level championships are a crucial part of an athlete’s development journey.
“Table tennis demands a high level of combined physical and mental capability. It demands rapid decision-making, good coordination, agility, focus and mental resilience.
“In mere seconds, a player must read the opponent’s game, make a decision and act precisely. Values such as discipline, perseverance, patience and the ability to bounce back after making a mistake are precisely what make sports a platform for character building.
“To all the young athletes participating, I want you to view this championship not merely as a quest for medals or victory. Use this opportunity to test your abilities, gain experience and learn from every match you play.” he said.
He also warned that being successful in sports demands discipline and sacrifice.
“Among you, there may be future stars who will one day wear the national jersey and carry Malaysia’s name onto the international stage.
“However, that journey demands strict discipline, deep sacrifice and unwavering determination. True success is never defined by a single championship; it is forged through thousands of hours of training and a relentless drive to keep learning.”Nizam added that Sabah is honoured to host more than 500 young athletes from across the nation.
“The presence of young athletes from various states not only heightens the competitiveness of the tournament but also provides an opportunity to forge friendships, exchange experiences and strengthen sportsmanship among the younger generation,” he said.
