Kota Kinabalu: The inaugural North Borneo Team Tennis League 2025 got off to a brilliant start on Saturday (Feb 8th) at Likas Sports Complex.
The League which is a fresh start for the local tennis community, will run until June this year.
AdvertisementEight clubs took part; UMS Tennis Club, Suria Tennis Team, ILP Tennis Club (KK), Morning Glory Tennis Club (KK), Persatuan Tennis Kota Belud, Persatuan Tennis Kuala Penyu, Sutera Harbour Tennis Amigos (KK), and Avakas Tennis Club (Penampang).
Organising chairman Dr. Terrence Soong of Hot Shots Tennis Club Kota Kinabalu expressed confidence that the inaugural League would provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to compete, connect with fellow players, and improve their skills, stating that it is a good platform for growth and camaraderie.
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Organising chairman Dr. Terrence Soong (left) of Hot Shots with Joe Balanjiu, one of the committee members.
Advertisement“The key benefit of the League is that it allows different individual team members to participate unlike traditional short tournaments that last two to three days and only select a few players to represent their clubs.
It also aims to raise awareness and re-ignite interest in a sport that has received less media attention compared to other popular sports.
Advertisement“We don’t want tennis to fade away. Our goal is to keep the passion alive and make it popular again,” he emphasised.
At the end of the season, the top two winning teams will advance to the semi-finals and final. Winners will be awarded prize money, a challenge trophy, and medals.
One of the major sponsors, the Association of Private Practitioners Sabah (APPS), played a crucial role in supporting the games by providing financial sponsorship.
In the long term, the organisers hope to expand the league to other areas/regions if the first initiative proves successful.
“For this League, we have an open category for players aged 30 and below, with no upper age limit. Since November last year, a tennis clinic was conducted for junior trainees by a former national player from Sabah.”
Dr. Soong said similar clinics will be conducted regularly, apart from ongoing training and drills for junior players every Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Joe Balanjiu, one of the committee members shared Sabah previously had only three major tennis tournaments, the Sabah Team Tennis Invitational, State Inter-Affiliate Tennis, and Sabah Closed Tennis Championships—which provided limited exposure for players.
“There are many players in Sabah, but most only compete at the club level due to the lack of tournaments.
Unlike in West Malaysia, where numerous tournaments are held, our players have fewer opportunities to compete at a higher level,” he said.
“We plan to organise more tournaments starting this year, giving players especially juniors a chance to compete beyond the club level. This will serve as motivation for younger players, and even novice players are encouraged to participate, as there will be an open category in April,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mahamudin Mohd Onon, President of the Kota Belud Tennis Club, expressed his excitement about the inaugural league, calling it one of the best initiatives for promoting continuity in the sport.
He praised Dr. Soong’s efforts in launching such a meaningful initiative, which brings players together to compete and enjoy the game.
Mahezzuan Masdah, President of the Kuala Penyu Tennis Club, stated that the Tennis Club, expressed his excitement about the inaugural league, calling it one of the best initiatives for promoting continuity in the sport.
“This league gives us something to look forward to,” he said.
From left to right: Mahamudin Mohd Onon, President of the Kota Belud Tennis Club, Mahezzuan Masdah, President of the Kuala Penyu Tennis Club and Leslie Jong, President of Avakas Tennis Club Penampang
He emphasised that the competition fosters camaraderie and teamwork among players, strengthening their bond as a club.
Mohd Tahir Kasim, a member of Morning Glory Tennis Club who has been playing for over 30 years, expressed his optimism about the future of tennis with the launch of the league.
“This is a great initiative, as even beginners can participate, making the sport more appealing and encouraging greater interest among sports enthusiasts,” he said.
Leslie Jong, President of Avakas Tennis Club Penampang, foresees the league as a success and a great benefit to tennis enthusiasts.
He described Dr. Soong’s idea of launching the league as ‘brilliant’ especially since the beginning of the year there is fewer tennis activities.
“This league truly brings all the teams together. As an avid player, I look forward to seeing more juniors, participate, and I’m very grateful for Dr. Soong’s effort in making this happen,” said Jong.
