## Sabah Badminton association Elects Maijol Mahap for Second Term
The Sabah Badminton Association (SBA) has reaffirmed its confidence in datuk Maijol Mahap, re-electing him as president for a further four-year term (2025-2029) at its 70th Annual General Meeting. The decisive vote – 33 in favor of Mahap against 5 for challenger Keplie Limun – underscores the strong support he enjoys within the state badminton community.
### A Renewed Commitment to Grassroots Development and Elite Performance
Mahap expressed his gratitude for the continued trust placed in his leadership,emphasizing a renewed dedication to bolstering badminton across all levels in Sabah. “this mandate is a privilege, and I am deeply thankful to the delegates representing all 19 districts,” he stated. “Our focus will be twofold: strengthening the foundation of badminton through robust grassroots programs and elevating the performance of SabahS players on both the national and international stages.”
this commitment aligns with a broader trend in sports development, were sustained investment in youth programs is increasingly recognized as crucial for long-term success. Such as, countries like Denmark and Indonesia, consistently strong in badminton, prioritize early talent identification and comprehensive training systems. [[1]]
### Leadership Team and Key Appointments
Alongside Mahap, the newly elected committee features Suriansa A. Kadir as deputy president, with John Baru, Sudirman Abas, Sanif Alfia, and ag Damit A.Bakar serving as vice presidents. The supreme council will be comprised of Roger Langgau, Dr Joinis Longkiad, Khoo Chui Eng, Abd Husin Sairi, Sumitah Hassan, and Jimin Tibin.
Key appointed positions include Anthony Liaw as vice president, Rechine Jikah as honorary secretary (with Samsuddin Abu Bakar Gait as assistant), and Felix Francis Ganang as honorary treasurer, supported by Steve Koh. Ag. Ku Mohd Yazri, Ag. Ku Mohd Yahaya, Androw Celyron Sindeh, Lily Lidond, and Dr Ovelyn Matanluk complete the appointed supreme council members.
### A History of Success and a Vision for the Future
Mahap’s return to the SBA presidency in May of the previous year marked a meaningful moment for the association, building on a prosperous initial tenure from 2006 to 2013.During his first leadership period, Sabah hosted the prestigious World super Series Master Final at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in 2008 – a landmark event that showcased the state’s capacity to host world-class badminton competitions.
Furthermore, under Mahap’s guidance, the SBA was recognized as the best state sports association in 2008, and he personally received the best sports leader award for three consecutive years (2008-2010). His expertise was also sought nationally, with appointments as national team manager for major events including the Commonwealth Games (New Delhi), the Asian Games (Guangzhou), the Sudirman Cup (Guangzhou), the Junior World Cup (Auckland), and the Master Super Series (South Korea).
Looking ahead, the SBA aims to capitalize on this legacy. With badminton experiencing a surge in global popularity – recent statistics indicate a 15% increase in participation rates worldwide in the last five years [[1]] – Mahap and his team are poised to drive further growth and success for the sport in Sabah.The focus will be on creating a sustainable pathway for young talent, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, and securing opportunities for Sabah’s players to compete and excel on the international stage.