KUCHING: National squash player Harith Danial Jefri is embracing the underdog role as he makes his senior debut at the 2nd Asian Doubles Squash Championships 2025, set to take place from June 23 to 26 at the Sarawak Squash Centre.
The Miri-born athlete, a two-time Malaysia Games (SUKMA) mixed doubles gold medallist, will reunite with long-time partner Nathalie Sim — the pair who clinched titles at both the 2022 and 2024 SUKMA.
Now representing Malaysia on a bigger stage, Harith said the goal is to gain experience and test themselves against Asia’s top senior players.
“There’s no expectation for both of us since it’s our first senior and Asian tournament.
“We’re going in as wild cards, I think we just want to gain more exposure and experience playing with the senior players,”he said.
Despite having just one training session together before the tournament — Harith having just returned from the UK and Nathalie from the US, he is optimistic that their chemistry will shine through.
“Our pairing goes back to SUKMA. We’ve won gold twice together. So the chemistry is already there — it’s just about sharpening our shots and getting into rhythm,” Harith told reporters when met at the centre on Saturday (June 21).
The pair are seeded third, where they will face top seeds Hong Kong, as well as the Philippines and Chinese Taipei. Only the top two pairs will qualify for the Round of 16.
“It’ll be tough, but I think we have a chance to make it through the group. That’s the goal, reach the knockout rounds and just enjoy it from there,” he said.
