KOTA KINABALU: Offering a total prize pool of RM16,800, the 2026 Sabah State Thonny Chee Cup Table Tennis Invitational Tournament officially kicked off on Saturday at the Kian Kok Middle School hall.
Jointly organised by the Putatan Fuzhou Association, the Kota Kinabalu Hokkien Association Youth Wing and the Cheng Hwa Primary School Table Tennis Association, the highly anticipated event drew an overwhelming response with 400 participants stepping up to the tables.
Officiating the event, Thonny Chee Initiative (TCI) Founder and Chairman, Thonny, reminded participants that a missed shot on the table does not mean the end of the game, but a principle that mirrors real life.
In the face of setbacks, he noted, what matters most is not how many points are lost, but the ability to recalibrate and start again.
He advised players to simply pick up the ball, take a deep breath, reset their stance and prepare for the next serve.
Explaining TCI’s dedication to youth programmes, Thonny shared the foundation’s belief that personal growth does not only happen in classrooms; sometimes, it begins right beside a ping pong table.
He emphasised that Sabah’s future development cannot rely solely on its land and marine resources. The State’s true, most vital assets are standing right in front of everyone today: Sabah’s younger generation.
“Your talents, energy, ideas, discipline and courage to try are the most crucial driving forces for Sabah’s future,” he told the crowd.
Thonny reminded the young athletes that they are competing for more than just trophies; they are there to learn through the process.
He called on all participants to give their absolute best, fight to the end and show the utmost respect to their opponents, referees, and coaches, which in turn reflects respect for themselves.
Whether they walk away with a trophy or not, success should not be measured solely by winning or losing.
Meanwhile, Thonny hoped the public would view the tournament not merely as a standard sporting event, but as a crucial platform to help youths build confidence, forge discipline, discover talents and foster friendships.
“Who knows, perhaps the future leaders of Sabah will grow from right beside this very ping pong table,” he reflected.