Johor Aims for Sports Supremacy: Seeks Basketball Ambassadors for Local Development
Posted: 10:58pm 01/06/2025
Johor State Government Launches Initiative to Promote Basketball
The Johor state government is actively seeking representative figures in the basketball industry to appoint as Johor Sports Ambassadors. This move aims to promote the development of local basketball and aligns with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail’s vision of transforming Johor into a sports powerhouse by 2030.
Sports Ambassadors to Include Industry Legends
Johor Minister of State Datuk Ong Hafez announced the initiative during the opening ceremony of the “2025 5-American Basketball Championship 29th Malaysian Basketball Association-Kim Qunli National 17 and Under 5-Arrogance Basketball Championship.” The Sports Ambassadors program will include international young athletes and legendary athletes with brilliant achievements, such as badminton legend Lee Chong Wei and New Zealand rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams.
Encouraging Youth Participation
Ong Hafez emphasized the importance of self-discipline, citing Lee Chong Wei as an example of perseverance and dedication. He encouraged young players from all over the country to participate in the competition and take inspiration from such role models. The Johor team, which won the championship in Kuala Lumpur last year, aims to defend their title this year.
Support from Malaysian Basketball Association
Malaysian Basketball Association President Datuk Seri Lee Dianhe praised Ong Hafez for allocating RM100,000 to the Johor Basketball Association to reward the team’s outstanding performance in the Malaysian Basketball League (MBL). This financial support underscores the state government’s commitment to developing basketball in Johor and reflects the vision and determination of the Regent and the State Minister in promoting Johor as a national sports center.
Johor’s Vision for Sports Excellence
Johor’s initiative to appoint Sports Ambassadors from various sports fields is part of a broader strategy to build a strong sports culture. The state government aims to lead the development of various sports, with the ultimate goal of making Johor a leader in the field of sports by 2030. This ambitious vision is supported by the appointment of notable figures like Lee Chong Wei and Shafidaos as sports ambassadors, highlighting Johor’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports ecosystem.
Community and Leadership Support
The event was attended by prominent figures including Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee Chairman Lee Tinghan, Johor Youth, Sports, Corporate Development and Cooperatives Committee Chairman Mohammad Hailly, and Johor Basketball President Datuk Lin Wenzhong. Ong Hafez threw the basketball into the air to kick off the event, symbolizing the state’s commitment to promoting sports and fostering community engagement.
Johor’s proactive approach to sports development is set to inspire other states and further elevate Malaysia’s standing in the international sports arena. As the state continues to invest in its youth and promote a culture of excellence, the future looks bright for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for more breaking news and updates on Johor’s sports initiatives.
