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ความคิดเห็นที่ 24 |
แปะข่าว
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The tourism ministry plans to include the Showdown of Champions tennis exhibition event as a fixture on its annual calendar.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the event which combined glamour, beauty, sports and fashion, could promote Malaysia as a tourism destination, particularly among those who were into sports.
"The government remains supportive of the sports tourism industry and the 1Malaysia Formula 1 team, for instance, reflects the goverment's seriousness in promoting it.
"Any development of any sport will definitely be a plus point and a pull factor. As far as tourism is concerned, it will attract tourists and Malaysians to personally come and watch the event," she said in her speech at the official launch of the Showdown Of Champions 2009 Asia vs Russia here Monday.
The speech was read out by tourism director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.
The two-day event beginning Dec 19, at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam will feature the quartet of Beijing Olympics champion Elena Dementieva and Maria Kirilenko of Russia, Sania Mirza (India) and Zheng Jie (China).
Dr Ng said with Russian girls becoming dominant in the tennis world, the presence of Dementieva and Kirilenko would especially draw their fans to Malaysia.
"Based on records, the number of Russian visitors to Malaysia grew from 16,868 in 2007 to 26,308 last year, which is a massive 56 per cent growth. This year, between January and June, 21,004 Russian visitors have visited the country," she said.
Anna Kournikova, the event ambassador, was excited to be part of the project.
"I'm really excited to be part of the Showdown Of Champions 2009. I think it will benefit Malaysia, and Malaysians are fortunate to be able to witness such an event.
"I'm sure people from China will root for Zheng Jie and India will follow Sania's performance. I will be rooting for Elena and Maria," said Kournikova who cut a stunning figure in a red and black baju kurung.
Kournikova, who brought glamour to the courts before hanging up her racket in 2003 because of injuries, is currently residing in Miami, Florida.
"For Asians to catch up with the Russians, they should be exposed to more international events such as this, as it would create awareness and attracts the young generation to play tennis," she said.
Asked if she missed professional tennis, the 28-year-old said: "Yes, of course, I do, particulaly playing in front of a cheering 20,000 spectatators. Besides modelling, I am also actively involved in charity work, particularly AIDS prevention programmes among children."
This is the third Showdown of Champions held in Malaysia.
In 2007, it was dubbed the 'Clash of Times' between world number one Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, and 'Clash of Titans' between Spaniard Rafael Nadal and Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
Last year's event featured four champions from two eras -- Federer, James Blake, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.
เครดิตจาก -- BERNAMA
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