SUBANG JAYA (April 16, 2010) – PROTON Holdings Berhad today reinforced its support towards the advancement of national badminton by being the title sponsor of the Thomas and Uber Cup finals this year. PROTON’s involvement in the sports dates back to the time when it first participated in the Sports Partnership Programme organised by the National Sports Council in 1995.
Under the programme, PROTON was entrusted to become the partner in the development of badminton in Malaysia for ten years. In 2005, PROTON pledged to continue its support for another ten years, with the government identifying badminton as one of the eight potential core sports to lead the country’s challenge for international glory in sports.
Present at the event today was the Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, Yang Berhormat Datuk Razali Ibrahim; PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir and Badminton Association of Malaysia Vice President and Tournament Committee Chairman, Datuk Dr. Ir. Haji Mohamad Al-Amin bin Haji Abdul Majid.
PROTON is proud to be affiliated with badminton, a sport that is not just closely linked with the people, but has lifted the name of the country.
Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin said: “Our support in badminton is an avenue for us to give back to the people and nation. We have so much confidence in the sports and believe that BAM has done a great job in managing the sports and elevating it to the international level.”
He continued to explain that in celebrating its 25th year anniversary, PROTON is honoured to be given the chance to become the title sponsor of the prestigious games and plans to enhance their relationship with the national badminton team.
“The opportunity to be the title sponsor for one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments is the perfect branding exercise. It also further extends our involvement with the sport, and we are honoured to be associated with world-class players. As title sponsors, it is our duty to assist BAM in as many ways possible” added Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin.
“Apart from the pledged sponsorship, we have been organising badminton clinics for school children and have been working closely with BAM in the Young Talents Development project to train and prepare potential new talents. We hope to do more in time to come to build-up interest in the sports especially amongst the youth.”
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Thomas Cup and promises to be an exciting game with Malaysia’s Datuk Lee Chong Wei eyeing the title after winning the Yonex All England Open Championships 2010 last month. The Uber Cup this year will also see if China will defend its position for the seventh consecutive year.
