The organisation of sporting events involving international participation such as the International Horseback Archery Championship is a platform to introduce the unique culture and customs of Negeri Sembilan to foreign and local participants.

State Tourism, Arts and Culture Action Committee chairman Nicole Tan Lee Koon said this is because participants can not only enjoy sports tourism but also eco-, agro- and rural tourism in the state.

“Sports tourism involving international participation has the potential that can attract foreign tourists because they will not come alone, they bring friends, family or teams along and they will definitely explore this place.

“This is why I think there should also be close cooperation between the organisers and the state government, including a memorandum of understanding so that those who take part in the tournament can subscribe to the tourism packages that we offer,” she told Bernama.

The International Horseback Archery Championship was held for the first time at Ladang Alam Warisan, Seri Menanti here in conjunction with the three-day Olek Godang Cultural Arts Festival that ended yesterday.

Eighty participants including from Malaysia, Mongolia, Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia took part in the event.

The owner of Ladang Alam Warisan who is also the organiser of the tournament, Muhamad Akmal Mohamad Dahalan said the selected athletes will compete in the Horseback Archery World Cup at Al-Ula UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saudi Arabia on Dec 14 to 16.

He added that it took two months to prepare for the tournament and Ladang Alam Warisan is also the only horseback archery centre in the country recognised by the World Horseback Archery Federation (WHAF).

Muhamad Akmal said the tournament also opened up new business opportunities including in manufacturing leather, arrows and bows while providing an economic spillover to entrepreneurs in the area around Seri Menanti.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency