Kota Kinabalu: Ten young Sabahan players are set to fly Malaysia’s flag at the World Junior Soft Tennis Championship in Jingshan, Hubei, China, from October 26 to November 1.
The national squad, comprising five boys and five girls aged between 12 and 19, is stepping up preparations under state head coach KK Chin at the Likas Tennis Courts ahead of the international challenge.
“Following a year of preparation, our official training began two months ago. With only days left before departure, we are intensifying the sessions to ensure everyone is mentally and physically ready for the challenge,” Chin said.
Malaysia was invited by the International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF) to compete in the prestigious championship, which features 12 countries and highlights the development of junior soft tennis.
Malaysia Soft Tennis Association (MSTA) President Dato’ Shamshuzaman Hj Sulaiman has encouraged the players to give their best and demonstrate their competitive spirit on the international stage.
Sabah Soft Tennis Association (SSTA) President Justin Liew will lead the contingent, assisted by coaches Fendy Rayner Jimmy and Beverly Koh.
The boys’ team comprises Jedidiah Kwan Ming Zhe, Jayden Jay Ng, Micah Joel Lai Chang You, Mason Lo Jun Hoe and Abraham Chung Jay Feng.
The girls are Euodia Lai Hung Qing, Wong Xin Yu, Eloise Voon Yee Qian, Allyson Faustina Fendy Mojikol and Abby Siaw Mei Qi.
Liew also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, Sabah Sports Council, SSTA patron Grace Lee, MSTA, GT Star Automobile, JKS Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, SK Tyres & Batteries Services, Hotel D’Northstar and Sukses Utama for their financial support.
The squad received the national flag during a handover ceremony at the Likas Tennis Courts on Tuesday, attended by Liew, Beverly and Fendy, as the team prepares to represent Malaysia in China.
