KUCHING: The Asian Doubles Championships 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial platform for Malaysia’s squash squad to fine-tune combinations and strengthen their medal prospects ahead of this year’s Asian Games.
National squash coach Shahril Shahidan said the tournament is an important benchmark for the national squad, particularly in assessing combinations that could feature at the continental Games, while also influencing future seedings.
Malaysia are without their first-choice mixed doubles pairing of Syafiq Kamal and Aifa Azman after Aifa was ruled out through injury. In her absence, Ainaa Amani has stepped in to partner Syafiq.
“We are not sending our actual mixed doubles pair because Syafiq usually partners Aifa, but Aifa is injured and has not recovered, so we replaced her with Ainaa.
“Still, I am confident they are doing well because we actually have three very strong mixed doubles pairings. We are hoping all three can reach the semi-finals,” he told Sarawak Tribune at the Sarawak Squash Centre here yesterday (June 19).
Shahril added that mixed doubles will be a key event at the upcoming Asian Games, making the current tournament a valuable opportunity for players to gain experience and improve their rankings.
“Hopefully Syafiq and Ainaa do well because it involves seeding, and of course we also want to see Ameeshenraj Chandaranand Rachel Arnold, who look like very strong contenders in this tournament,” he said.
The coach was also pleased with the team’s overall performance, particularly after navigating several difficult matches.
“Today, everything is stronger, especially from the boys’ side. We have Pakistan, but they did well.
“It was a tough first match for them, but luckily they played this morning, so they are more prepared for the afternoon session,” he said.
Malaysia recorded several notable victories on day two, particularly in the mixed doubles, where Ameeshenraj Chandaran and Rachel Arnold defeated pairs from Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong in straight sets.
Syafiq and Ainaa also secured two wins, beating Japan’s Ren Makino and Risa Sugimoto before overcoming fellow Malaysians Duncan Lee and Aira Azman.
The men’s doubles pairing of Sanjay Jeeva and Duncan Lee also impressed by overcoming Pakistan’s Asim Khan and Hamza Khan, while Ainaa and Yee Xin Ying registered victories against pairs from Taiwan and South Korea in the women’s doubles.
