By Zaki Salleh
Photo MBI
IPOH: More than 1,000 participants, including those from abroad, took part in the Perak Tourism International Invitation Taekwon-do Championship 2024 held at the Perak Badminton Arena.
This taekwondo championship, organised by the Perak Tourism Association and the Perak Taekwondo Association, has further enlivened the celebration of Visit Perak Year 2024.
Taking place from June 20 to June 23, 2024, this event indirectly promotes Ipoh as an international Sports City.
The championship was officiated by the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud.
Also present were the President of the Perak Tourism Association cum Chairman of the Board of Directors, Datuk Haji Mohd Odzman Abd Kadir; President of the Taekwondo Federation, Grandmaster Najmi Abdullah; and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tourism Perak, Dato’ Mohd Kamil Dato’ Shafie.
In his speech, Rumaizi invited associations, sports clubs, and non-governmental organisations to organise international-level sports events in the city to establish Ipoh as a Sports City.
Apart from promoting sports activities, this can also unify the city’s diverse population.
He said, through sports, not only can healthy living be practised, but it can also cultivate self-discipline and respect for one another.
“The Ipoh City Council (MBI) always ensures that sports facilities are well-maintained and meet established standards.
“MBI, together with the state government, will begin upgrading the grass field at the Perak Stadium. Once completed, this field will be of international standard,” he said.
Rumaizi emphasised that sports can also help promote Ipoh and Perak on the world tourism map.
“The tourism destinations around Ipoh and nearby areas will move towards promoting tourism as planned,” he said.
