KUANTAN: The Kuantan CA International Sixes cricket tournament has successfully earned recognition from the Guinness World Record as the longest-running six-a-side cricket tournament in the world.
Certified by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2009 as the longest-running cricket sixes competition in the country, the tournament which enters the 50th edition this weekend has now added another feather to its cap.
The "cricket carnival" which made its debut in 1969 is organised by the Pahang Ceylon Association (CA) and over the last few years the Pahang Cricket Association and the Malaysian Cricket Association had joined forces to provide support for the tournament.
CA president, V. Gunendran described this year's event as extra special since the tournament has now received global recognition.
"This is a major highlight for the tournament and all those who were involved in making it a success. We faced a lot of challenges to reach this far (50th edition) and now the satisfaction is priceless.
"Kuantan CA dedicates the world record award (Guinness World Record) to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Al-Sultan Abdullah Ria'atuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah) in conjunction with his coronation on July 30. This is a proud achievement from his home state," he said after the certificate presentation ceremony at a gala dinner event, here, last night.
Meanwhile Kuantan member of Parliament Fuziah Salleh, who presented the certificate, said making it into the Guinness Book of World Records was a special feat for Kuantan CA which would be the pride of the people in the state capital.
"It is not about winning cash or trophies but the stringent process to achieve such remarkable global recognition.... it is the hard work over the years which has led to this victory," she said.
Tournament organising committee chairman, Dr S. Sandraprakash said the 50th edition has attracted 17 teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh along with Asian cricket powerhouses Sri Lanka and India.
He said the tournament this year which ends today at the Kemunting field offers RM20,000 in total as prize money alongside four individual awards including best batsman and best bowler.
Professional Sri Lankan test cricketer Ajantha Mendis is among the notable names who have participated in previous tournaments which began as the Elagupillai trophy in 1969.
Since 1994, it has been known as the Kuantan CA International Cricket Sixes.