KUCHING: Sarawak once again demonstrated its capability as an international sporting hub by hosting the ITF World Junior Team Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying 2026, bringing together junior tennis teams from across the Asia and Oceania region.
Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the tournament was not only a platform for competition on the court, but also an avenue to strengthen friendship and cooperation among participating nations.
He said this during a welcoming dinner held in conjunction with the tournament here on Sunday night (Apr 26).
According to him, the presence of players, coaches, officials and delegates from various countries reflected the spirit of unity and shared passion for tennis.
Among the participating countries were Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Henry also shared his personal experience of only taking up tennis at the age of 30 due to limited opportunities and the high cost associated with the sport in the past.
“Tennis used to be considered an expensive sport because equipment such as rackets and facilities were difficult to access, especially in rural and village areas.
“Today, however, we can see people, including those in their 60s, actively playing and enjoying the sport,” he said.
He added that tennis is not merely about competition, but also about passion, discipline and a healthy lifestyle.
At the same time, he praised the efforts of the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) for successfully elevating Sarawak’s profile internationally through the organisation of various world-class tournaments over the decades.
He said hosting international tournaments required strong commitment, experience and teamwork.
“The successful organisation of events such as this proves that Sarawak possesses growing capability and a solid reputation in hosting international sporting events,” he said.
Henry also encouraged players to take the opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages and playing styles throughout the tournament.
According to him, such experiences would help shape players beyond the competition itself and contribute to their personal growth.
He also expressed appreciation to all organisers, sponsors, officials, volunteers and partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of both the tournament and the networking dinner.
The event also celebrated SLTA’s achievement in organising several international tournaments within a month, including the 44th Premier Sarawak Cup J300 and WCTF.
