KUCHING: Sarawak’s junior girls gained valuable experience at the All-Japan Diamond Cup in Aomori, taking on Japan’s top juniors despite not advancing to the knockout stage.
The tournament featured Japan’s strongest junior players, including BWF World Junior Gold Medallist, Aya Tamaki, offering the Sarawak athletes an exceptional benchmark of international performance standards.
In a statement issued by the Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) recently, it was stated that the team was led by SBA Honorary Secretary, Datuk Dr Wan Khalik Wan Muhammad.
He emphasised that the exposure gained in Aomori marks an important step in the state’s long-term strategy to elevate Sarawak’s next generation of players to world-class levels.
The statement pointed out that the athletes demonstrated commendable fighting spirit, gaining tactical insights and on-court experience against elite opposition.
“This international outing was made possible through the strong support of Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd, whose commitment to Sarawak badminton was further demonstrated by the presence of Yuki Nakamura, Vice-Chairman of Pertama Ferroalloys, who personally joined the trip.
“His participation underscored Pertama’s dedication to supporting grassroots development, junior exposure, and Sarawak’s broader badminton aspirations,” the statement read.
In addition to tournament participation, the Sarawak team conducted a meaningful courtesy visit to the Badminton Association of Japan (BAJ) headquarters.
They were warmly welcomed and engaged in a dialogue with Yasuyoshi Asakura, Vice-President of the Badminton Association of Japan (BAJ); Keita Masuda, Technical Expert in the High Performance & Strategy Division and former Japan national player; and Shintaro Ikeda, Executive Director of the National Team Enhancement Unit and former Japan national player.
Both BAJ and SBA expressed strong interest in exploring future collaboration, including potential training exchanges and junior development partnerships.
Wan Khalik highlighted that the trip’s blend of competition, exposure and international engagement will greatly benefit Sarawak’s rising athletes.
“Our juniors have seen firsthand what world-class badminton looks like. This experience gives them clarity, motivation and belief as they continue their journey,” he said in the same statement.
SBA extends its heartfelt appreciation to Pertama Ferroalloys for their unwavering support, and to BAJ for their warm hospitality throughout the visit.
The Sarawak Junior Female team returns home motivated, inspired and ready to build on the lessons gained in Aomori.
