KUCHING: The 2025 Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying Davis Cup Junior officially kicked off today (Mar 10), bringing together rising tennis talents from 23 countries in a spirited battle for two coveted spots in the qualifying rounds, set to be held in Kazakhstan this May.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed pride in Sarawak’s role as host for this prestigious international tournament, welcoming young athletes who represent the future of global tennis.
“This tournament is more than just a competition — it is a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and the indomitable spirit of youth,” he said during the opening ceremony at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) tennis centre, here.
“To all the players, your presence here reflects not only your skill and dedication but also your perseverance in pursuing excellence.
“As you step onto the court, remember that every match is an opportunity to grow, learn, and build lifelong friendships.”
Abdul Karim also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to develop young talent and strengthen international collaboration through events like this, which he said play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of athletes and fortifying the global tennis community.
Meanwhile, SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew, at a press conference after the opening ceremony, said the tournament will culminate in the final match on March 15.
“With 23 nations competing, every match must be played according to rankings and positions.
“The players will be competing daily, and by the end of the tournament, we’ll be able to identify the top 20 players and the strongest among them,” he said.
Participating countries in this year’s tournament include Iraq, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Singapore, Macau, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
