KOTA SAMARAHAN: The influence of peers plays a vital role in generating interest in basketball, a sport that is currently not widely played.
The organising chairman of the basketball match Gary Yong, playing basketball with friends can make individuals smarter, fitter, and more motivated to participate in various competitions.
To promote this less popular sport among young people, an awareness roadshow is being planned, he said.
“We aim to reach every corner of the state with the help of financial sponsorship from the state government or corporate companies,” Yong told reporters at the Street of the Street event held at La Promenade Mall here today (June 2).
The event featured a 3-on-3 basketball match involving 32 teams from across Kuching.
This match was held in collaboration with drift racing organised by FL Basketball Club (FLBC). Over 1,000 visitors attended the event.
“We haven’t organised any matches in almost 10 years, and we want to revive the nostalgia associated with basketball. While 5-on-5 basketball is currently popular at the national level, the introduction of 3-on-3 matches by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) two years ago has gained popularity,” Yong explained.
Yong encouraged young people, especially those with a height of 160cm or above, to try their luck in basketball, as it has the potential to train them to become state or national players. The ideal age range for active participation in the sport is between 12 and 30 years old.
