The Brunei Darussalam Sepak Takraw Association's (Pestabaru) sepak takraw competition in conjunction with His Majesty's 67th birthday celebration kicked off at the Menglait Sport Complex yesterday.

Tanah Jambu 'C' beat Kuala Lurah 15-4, 15-10 and Sengkurung 'A' went past Sengkurung 'A' 15-11 and 15-6 in the first two games of the two-day tournament which ends tomorrow.

Pestabaru president Pg Hj Ali Hassan Pg DSLJ Hj Abas presided over the draw before meeting the teams and wishing them well for their matches.

"The main objective of this event is to find new and better talent who we wish to one day send to represent our nation," said Pg Hj Ali Hassan, adding that he hopes to send young players to the Sabah Super Series at the end of the month.

Prior to the match BIPA's team manager said he was looking forward to the continued development of the sport at the national level.

"We must implement the game at every village in the country," said Md Asrin Pg Hj Untung.

"That way, we can all have a friendly match wherever we go," he added.

Sports School's team manager's Hj Md Isa Hj Abu Bakar also welcomed such competitions and wished to see more such events organised.

"There should be more competitions like this to help increase awareness, which will hopefully attract sponsors and increase the interest of the younger generation," he said, adding that their team includes ex-students and trainers.

Two brothers, Abd Muiz, 19, and Abd Waqi Hj Nordin, 18, both participated at the 2011 edition for Sengkurong and said they wish to keep playing to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Another team with strong family ties is Kuala Lurah, whose leader Afendi explained that the side was mostly made up of family members.

"I've been playing sepak takraw since I was a boy (and) I want to keep the game in our family to strengthen our bonds while keeping a healthy lifestyle together," said the 32-year-old.

Courtesy from Brunei Times