Kuala Lumpur: In light of the COVID-19 crisis, which has disrupted many regular aspects of life, including sport and physical activity, the Malaysia Purple League (MPL) has taken a proactive step by organizing the Top Glove-Purple League Pro-Am (PLPA) badminton championships.
It was an effort by MPL to create a competitive platform for Malaysian professional players affected by COVID-19.
MPL said in a statement on Tuesday that this tournament aimed to provide professional players the opportunity to return to competition after almost 10 months of not playing competitively due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Five Malaysian professional players – Daren Liew, Soong Joo Ven, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Lim Chi Wing, and Misbun Ramdan Misbun have confirmed their participation in the tournament offering a total cash prize of RM100,000. Men’s singles champion will take home prize money of RM10,000.
Misbun Ramdan Misbun who had been plagued with an Achilles heel rupture injury in 2015, seemed excited for the opportunity to compete as he last competed at the Bangladesh International in December 2019.
“I will give my best at the tournament,” said Ramdan Misbun.
The MPL Chief Operating Officer Ho Khek Mong said the main goal of the tournament was to give both independent and young players the opportunity to compete on a competitive platform.
“MPL hopes that this tournament can allow professional players to return to the court after a long absence,” said Ho.
“However, some top players such as Tan Wee Kiong, Goh V Shem, and Chan Peng Soon would not participate in the tournament as they are getting ready for the Asian leg of the BWF world tour which will take place in Bangkok in January 2021,” added Ho.
The tournament will take place in Putrajaya from Dec 29, 2020 to Jan 3, 2021.
