KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Education Department badminton team (EDU SABAH) has clinched the championship at the 5th Kota Kinabalu City Mayor’s Cup 2026, reaffirming their dominance in the annual departmental tournament held from May 21 over three days.
The final match, held at the Luyang Multipurpose Hall, ended with EDU SABAH overcoming the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) team 4-2 in a closely contested showdown.
This win holds special significance as it marks the first time the team has secured the title in this particular inter-department competition organized by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
Remaining undefeated throughout the event, EDU SABAH has cemented its reputation as the leading force in Sabah’s civil service badminton circuit.
Team manager Datu Asrah attributed the victory to consistent training and strong team unity.
“We came here with the goal of defending our title,” he said after the award ceremony.
“The blend of seasoned players and promising young teachers made a real difference. This win belongs to all educators in Sabah.”
He also commended DBKK for hosting the tournament, noting that it not only fostered camaraderie among public officers but also helped elevate the standard and popularity of badminton within the state.
The championship trophy and a prize of 10,000 ringgit were handed over by Robert Lipon, Deputy Director-General (Operations), representing Kota Kinabalu Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Sabin Bin Samitah.
A total of nine teams from various Sabah state government departments took part in the fifth edition of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the President of the Sabah Government Teachers’ Union (KGKS) Murkam Hj Hussien expressed high appreciation to the entire EDU Sabah badminton team for the hard work they put in throughout the tournament, which ultimately led to success.
