SEA GAMES: SANJAY, DUNCAN EYED FOR 2026 ASIAN GAMES - AJAZ

From Amiril Muttaqien Meketar

BANGKOK, Dec 20 (Bernama) --  National squash head coach Ajaz Azmat believes several players from Malaysia’s SEA Games Thailand 2025 squad have a strong chance of earning places in the national team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Ajaz said men’s singles gold medallist Sanjay Jeeva and silver medallist Duncan Lee are among those being closely monitored, following their encouraging performances at the SEA Games here and growing consistency on the international circuit.

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Yes, there is a chance for Sanjay Jeeva and Duncan Lee because they are ranked second and fourth respectively among Malaysian players based on the PSA (Professional Squash Association) World Rankings.

“Possibly one of them could be selected for the Asian Games, either in the individual or mixed doubles events,” he said when met here.

The Pakistani coach added that players who were not part of the SEA Games squad, including Ameeshenraj Chandaran and Mohammad Syafiq Kamal, are also in contention, noting that final selections will be made closer to the 2026 Asian Games.

Based on the PSA World Rankings, Ng Eain Yow is currently Malaysia’s top-ranked player at 17th, followed by Sanjay (60th), Ameeshenraj (80th), Duncan (92nd) and Mohammad Syafiq (126th).

The 2026 Asian Games will be held from Sept 4 to Oct 4 next year.

Ajaz said Malaysia’s strong performance at the SEA Games Thailand 2025 reflected the emergence of a new generation of players capable of sustaining the country’s success in squash.

He noted that the team’s clean sweep of all four gold medals contested, together with valuable exposure gained by several debutants, demonstrated the depth of talent within the national setup.

“I am confident they will continue to progress to the next level in the future,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ajaz expressed confidence that the current crop of players would be ready to take on future SEA Games challenges and meet the targets set by the National Sports Council (MSN).

Apart from Sanjay, Malaysia’s other gold medal winners were Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi (women’s singles), Harith Danial Jefri-Sehveettrraa Kumar (mixed doubles), and Harith Danial and Low Wa Sern in the men’s doubles.

The SEA Games Thailand 2025, which began on Dec 9, concludes today.

-- BERNAMA