KUCHING: The battle for squash supremacy begins today as 87 players from 16 Asian nations converge in the city for the 23rd Asian Individual and Doubles Squash Championships 2025, with host Sarawak set to shine on the continental stage.
The championship, running from Jun 17 to 26 at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya, brings together top-tier talents from across the region.
The competing nations are Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China, Iran, Kuwait, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Macao.
At the official welcoming dinner last night (Jun 16) at Grand Margherita Hotel, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu expressed his pride in Sarawak’s role as host and emphasised the significance of squash in the global sporting landscape.
“I wish all of you the very best in this championship, and I hope you will demonstrate that squash remains a highly relevant and fiercely competitive sport across the world,” he said.
Rentap also praised the efforts of the organisers Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) for their commitment to ensure the tournament’s success.
“They have consistently ensured that both the venue and the event are welcoming to all participating nations,” he added.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s growing reputation as a sporting and cultural destination.
With the Rainforest World Music Festival, Rainforest Youth Summit, and Gawai Dayak celebrations taking place concurrently, Rentap encouraged athletes and officials to explore the diversity and warmth that define Sarawak.
“Sarawak is such a beautiful place, and most importantly, we want to share with everyone the beauty and peace that we enjoy here,” he said.
The championships are seen as a key step in boosting the global profile of squash in Asia and beyond.
With Sarawak preparing to host the 2027 SEA Games, the event also serves as a crucial platform for local organisers to showcase their readiness.
Also present were SRAS president Lucy Read, SRAM deputy president Azlan Iskandar, and team delegates from across the continent.
