PUTATAN: The badminton court became more than just a battleground for points and victories when members of the Sabah artistes’ community gathered for the Kelab Rekreasi Artis Sabah (Keras) Closed Badminton Tournament 2026 in conjunction with the Merdeka celebrations.
Held at Dewan Ketiau, Putatan, on Sept 5 from 8am to 3pm, the tournament brought together members of the entertainment and creative fraternity for a day of sport, laughter and friendship.
While the competition was played seriously, the bigger objective was to promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the bonds among members of Keras through sports and recreational activities.
Three categories were contested — women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles — with matches played in a group format using a 31-point, one-game system.
At the end of the competition, Shuttle Striker, represented by S Welly, Sylviana, Ayank, Keiru Jumin and Chol, emerged overall champion.
Smash Squad, comprising Claric J Matha, Asbow, Rosdianah @ Wiwie, Jonlik and Yandi, finished as runners-up, while Court Crasher, represented by Freddy Au, Manja, Rudy and Zuraini, secured third place.
The tournament also saw special recognition given to outstanding doubles combinations, with S Welly and Chol winning the Special Winner Men Double title, while Clarice and Ayank were named Special Winner Women Double winners.
Adding further excitement to the event was a Lucky Draw, which kept participants and supporters looking forward to the announcement of the winners.
Ayank took first prize, followed by Keiru Jumin in second, Syviana in third and Jonlik in fourth. Freddy, Asbow, Manja, S Welly, Zuraini and Clarice also walked away with prizes from the lucky draw.
The tournament was officially opened by KDCA Youth Council chairman Tuan Steve Datuk Jonny Mositun, whose presence reflected the wider support for initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and closer ties among Sabah’s artistic community.
Keras president Clarice J. Matha expressed her appreciation to the organising committee, players and all club members whose contributions helped make the tournament a success.
She said the true measure of victory should not be confined to medals, trophies or prizes, but should also be seen in the friendships forged and the spirit of togetherness shared throughout the event.
“Efforts such as this are what strengthen the bonds of family among members of the Sabah arts community,” she said.
Clarice also expressed hope that the spirit of unity and healthy living promoted through the tournament would continue to form an important part of Keras activities in the future.
The club also recorded its appreciation to Michelle Store and Diana Clevon Monjuil for their contributions towards the successful organisation of the tournament.
For many of those taking part, the day was not simply about who scored the most points or lifted the championship prize.
It was about stepping away from their usual creative and entertainment routines, coming together on a different kind of stage and enjoying the company of fellow members through sport.
The Keras badminton tournament also demonstrated how recreational activities can provide an effective platform for Sabah’s artistes to maintain their physical well-being while strengthening professional and personal relationships within the fraternity.
“With the success of the 2026 edition, the tournament is hoped to become a regular platform for members of Keras to gather, compete, exercise and build lasting friendships.
“Congratulations to all winners and appreciation to everyone who contributed towards making the Keras Closed Badminton Tournament 2026 a memorable celebration of sport, friendship and camaraderie,” said Clarice.
