Kuala lumpur: The national basketball squad has a bright chance of winning two medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, scheduled to be held from Dec 9-20. Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) president Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock noted the positive prospect, as the organisers have decided against allowing the participation of any naturalised players in this edition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all the players are in high spirits as the team is playing well, and they believe they can deliver a strong challenge. Tian Hock expressed this confidence during the groundbreaking ceremony of the MABA Suitez KL City Centre. He also mentioned that the national basketball squad has been thoroughly prepared, having undergone training and participated in tournaments in China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

There is an added incentive for the national basketball players, as a handsome bonus awaits them if they can achieve the medal target set by MABA in Thailand. Malaysia previously secured only one bronze medal at the 2023 SEA Games, won by the women’s squad in the 5×5 event. The upcoming SEA Games in Thailand will offer four gold medals in basketball, covering the 3×3 and 5×5 events for both men and women.

Meanwhile, Tian Hock discussed the MABA Suitez KL City Centre project, a collaboration with developer EXSIM worth RM800 million. The project is anticipated to provide MABA with a return of at least RM170 million. Out of this, RM120 million will be allocated to buy back residential units for rent, expected to generate about RM6 million annually. This stable income source will allow future leadership to focus on sports development without financial strain.

The construction project includes two 60-storey twin towers next to the Merdeka 118 tower, featuring a new MABA headquarters with a 3,000 square feet area and a dedicated 3×3 court.