KUCHING: Sarawak has named a 50-player junior squad for the National Junior Elite Tournament (JET) 2nd Leg in Kuantan, Pahang, following the conclusion of the Sarawak Junior Closed Selection Tournament 2026 last weekend.
The tournament, held from Friday (March 13) to Sunday (March 15) at the Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) Hall, provided a crucial platform for young shuttlers across U12, U14 and U16 categories to showcase their skills and earn selection for national-level competition.
Present at the final day of the tournament were SBA’s President, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy President, Ting Wei Ping, and SBA Honorary Secretary, Datuk Dr Wan Khalik Wan Muhammad.
According to Wan Khalik, the full U18 squad for the upcoming National U18 Tournament in Selangor has yet to be finalised, as several players are still under consideration as they are currently in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 long list.
“As for SUKMA progress, all players in the long list are undergoing structured training in their respective divisions or clubs.
“Our national junior players – Isyraf Hafizin, Alwyn Chua and Jared Foo – are currently undergoing intensive training at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM),” he told Sarawak Tribune today.
The selection tournament and ongoing training initiatives reflect Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening its presence at the national level.
In relation to SUKMA, Wan Khalik added that SBA will conduct an internal selection in May to shortlist the state’s SUKMA players.
