SEA GAMES: MABA POSITIVE OF GARNERING TWO MEDALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) – The national basketball squad has a bright chance of winning two medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, scheduled to be held from Dec 9-20.

Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) president Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock said this was because the organisers have not allowed the participation of any naturalised players in this edition

“All the players are in high spirits (facing the 2025 SEA Games), as the team is playing well, I believe they can give a strong challenge,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the MABA Suitez @ KL City Centre, here, today.

Tian Hock said the national basketball squad had also undergone thorough preparations including undergoing training and having been invited to compete in tournaments in China, Taiwan and the Philippines before.

He also said that a handsome bonus awaits the national basketball players if they can meet the medal target set by MABA in Thailand.

Malaysia only managed to bring home one bronze medal at the 2023 SEA Games through the women's squad in the 5x5 event.

Thailand offered four golds for the basketball competition at the SEA Games this time covering the 3x3 and 5x5 events, for men and women respectively.

Meanwhile, Tian Hock said the MABA Suitez @ KL City Centre project worth RM800 million in collaboration with the developer company, EXSIM is expected to provide a return of at least RM170 million to MABA.

“Of the amount, RM120 million will be used to buy back residential units for rent, which is expected to generate about RM6 million per year.

“With this stable source of income, the future leadership can focus fully on sports development without financial burden,” he said.

The construction project of two 60-storey twin towers adjacent to the Merdeka 118 tower also has a new MABA headquarters covering an area of ​​3,000 square feet and is equipped with a special 3x3 court.

-- BERNAMA