SRAFTKL JUNIOR OPEN RECORDS SURGE IN ENTRIES AFTER GOLD-TIER UPGRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- The Squash Racquet Association Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur (SRAFTKL) Junior Open Squash Championship continues to grow, with 722 young players from 17 countries set to compete in its second edition this year.

Organising chairman Syed Kebir said the tournament, to be held at the National Sports Council Squash Courts in Jalan Duta and the University of Malaya Squash Courts from March 31 to April 5, has been upgraded from a silver to a gold-tier event in the Asian Junior Squash Circuit calendar.

“As the tournament has been elevated to a gold-tier event by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF), it has attracted more entries compared to last year, which saw 583 players from 14 countries.

“Players from across Asia and Europe are drawn to the event as it offers higher ranking points, making it a strong attraction,” he told a press conference here today.

The championship will feature six age categories for both boys and girls: Under-9 (U9), Under-11 (U11), Under-13 (U13), Under-15 (U15), Under-17 (U17), and Under-19 (U19).

Out of the total entries, 527 players are from Malaysia, reflecting strong local participation alongside international competitors.

Among the notable participants is rising junior player Maisarah Mohd Khairul Nizam, who won the Under-13 girls’ title in last year’s edition.

Earlier, the tournament received backing from the Touch ’n Go Group, comprising Touch ’n Go Sdn Bhd and TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, which reaffirmed its commitment to squash development in Malaysia by extending its strategic partnership as the official partner of the SRAFTKL Junior Open.

-- BERNAMA