KUCHING: More than just a new playing venue, Sarawak’s proposed glass squash court could become a gateway to bigger tournaments, stronger sports tourism opportunities and a larger international stage for the sport in the state.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the facility planned ahead of the 2027 SEA Games, would be developed to international standards and help attract more competitions, training camps and visiting teams to Sarawak.
Speaking to the media after the welcoming dinner for the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships on Wednesday night (Jun 17), he said glass courts have become the preferred standard for international squash tournaments due to their superior viewing experience and suitability for television broadcasts.
“The glass court is now the standard for international tournaments.
Spectators can watch from the front, the back and the sides, which creates a much more exciting viewing experience,” he said.
Gerald added that the facility would feature spectator seating, specialised flooring, professional lighting and broadcast-quality infrastructure capable of hosting major international events.
“It is not just about building a court. We have to consider the whole venue, including the spectators, lighting and broadcast facilities so that it becomes a truly world-class facility,” he added.
He said the project would be undertaken by the Sarawak government with support from the Federal Government and is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 SEA Games.
Beyond hosting competitions, Gerald believes the facility could play an important role in strengthening Sarawak’s sports tourism sector.
“When teams come here and train for a week at our facilities, they stay in our hotels, eat our food and use our services. The spillover effect contributes to the local economy and helps grow sports tourism in Sarawak,” he said.
Gerald said improved facilities would encourage more teams from Malaysia and abroad to choose Sarawak as a destination for training camps and tournaments, creating long-term benefits for both sport and the local economy.
The announcement came as Kuching welcomed approximately 70 players from nine countries for the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships, which is being held in the city for the second time.
Describing the championship as an important platform for athlete development, particularly among younger players, Gerald urged the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) to continue expanding competitions at both grassroots and elite levels.
“We want to see more athletes from Sarawak achieve success at the highest level. We have done it before and we want the next generation to do even better,” he said.
