MALAYSIA PURPLE LEAGUE RETURNS WITH ITS FLAGSHIP EVENT

KUALA LUMPUR (7 September 2022): After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SENHENG redONE Purple League 2022 will be held at Malawati Stadium, Shah Alam, with a total of RM500,000 in prize money at stake.

The Malaysia Purple League officially announced the sixth edition of the competition at a press conference at the Gardens Ballroom, Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present were Ministry of Youth and Sports Secretary General Dato' Jana Santhiran, SENHENG Executive Chairman Lim Kim Heng, redONE Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Farid Yunus and Malaysia Purple League Chief Operating Officer Ho Khek Mong.

Having succeeded over five consecutive seasons, the flagship event stands well above the rest, thanks to the continued support of local and international fans, vital sponsorship from various companies and the participation of world-class players.

The SENHENG redONE Purple League is not only the players' tournament of choice, but also where champions are made. Malaysia's premier club badminton league takes pride in having helped mould current Malaysian stalwarts such as Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Chen Tang Jie, Man Wei Chong, Anna Cheong and Teoh Mei Xing, while also supporting independent players such as Cheam June Wei, Soniia Cheah, Mohd Azriyn, Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai in their careers.

Since its inception in 2014, the Malaysia Purple League has built an enviable reputation for developing young talent and giving emerging stars a platform to gain invaluable experience against the world's best.

The Malaysia Purple League platform has also helped many district and local badminton clubs, and now supports more than 60 clubs across the country with the aim of nurturing upcoming junior players. This underlines the league's important role as one of the main contributors to the development of badminton in Malaysia.

Thanks to its prestigious status, the clubs competing in the league have no problem securing the services of some of the world's best players.

Big names who have graced previous editions include Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Chou Tien Chen, Zhao Yunlei, Tai Tzu Ying, Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Christinna Pedersen, Markis Kido, Tommy Sugiarto and Lee Yong Dae.

To whet fans' appetite, the 2022 edition will feature eight teams that have confirmed their entries: Ampang Jaya BC, Petaling BC, Puchong United BC, Serdang BC, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Candra Wijaya BC (Indonesia), Singapore Badminton Team and Sena Bangkok Club (Thailand). Chou Tien Chen, Nguyen Tien Minh, Terry Hee Yong Kai, Loh Kean Hean and Jessica Tan Wei Han are among the top shuttlers expected to compete.

Ho Khek Mong said, "The SENHENG redONE Purple League will be entering its sixth season, and reaching this stage has not been an easy task. With the support of the fans, sponsors, media and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), we can safely say that the SENHENG redONE Purple League has reached a new level.

"Of course, this league will drive Malaysia forward where badminton is concerned. We also anticipate continued support from all parties, because the success of the league depends very much on that kind of backing."

He added, "We at Malaysia Purple League would like to thank the title sponsor SENHENG, BP Diagnostic Centre, Cloone Corporation and Resorts World Genting for backing our initiative to ensure that the development of badminton in our country does not slow down. I am sure this partnership will continue to flourish for the benefit of all parties in our quest to make badminton in Malaysia great again."

Meanwhile, SENHENG Executive Chairman Lim Kim Heng confirmed that his company will always give its full support to sporting activities in Malaysia.

"SENHENG has played its role and provided full support to ensure that the sporting activities we are involved in run smoothly. We feel it is part of our responsibility, because sport will always bring glory and pride to our country," he said.

"We are fully committed to backing the SENHENG redONE Purple League and all it stands for, because we believe our values are aligned with those of the Malaysia Purple League. That being the case, we are continuously looking to strengthen our relationship in every way and grow together as a united front," added Lim.

redONE Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Farid Yunus believes the league is significant to the nation and hopes it will gain greater recognition from the Malaysian public.

"At redONE, we are always determined to support initiatives with a positive aura, and I hope that through this sponsorship, badminton, and especially the Malaysia Purple League, will gain more support from all concerned," said Mohammad Farid.

The sixth edition of the SENHENG redONE Purple League is scheduled to take place at Malawati Stadium, Shah Alam from 1 to 7 October, with the Grand Finals at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting on 8 and 9 October.

Founded and incorporated on 24 October 2013, Purple League Sports Management Sdn. Bhd. aims to create a brand new platform in support of the Malaysian badminton scene, while raising the standard of badminton proficiency and contributing towards creating future champions for the country.

At the forefront of all its endeavours is the Malaysia Purple League, named after the colour purple, long associated with royalty, power and courage. The initiative provides players of all levels, both professionals and amateurs, with an opportunity to gain invaluable competitive experience, while engaging retired national greats to guide and inspire a new generation of champions.