NATIONAL squash player Sanjay Jeeva admitted he will face pressure at next week’s Asian qualifiers in Hong Kong, where he will be vying for a spot in the 2026 PSA World Championships, scheduled to take place in Cairo from May 8 to 16.
The number of Malaysian squash players has improved significantly in terms of performance, giving world No. 63 Sanjay stiff competition in the Asian qualifiers. Most of them are also familiar with each other’s records and playing styles.
The 26-year-old also battled food poisoning during his trip to the Indian Open from March 18 to 22, where he was knocked out in the semifinals by India’s Veer Chotrani, losing 11–7, 11–5, 5–11, 11–6 in 37 minutes.
Prior to that, the sixth seed secured a 3–0 quarterfinal win over Egypt’s Ibrahim El Kabbani and a 3–0 victory against India’s Om Semwal in the second round.
“I just came back from India and unfortunately I did get some food poisoning. So, I am trying to recover from that.
“There are big differences (when playing against international and Malaysian opponents) because every time we face our fellow countrymen, they will keep the results and records against you.
“So, it will add the pressure. Plus, as I am the second ranked national player, I am the one who is be expected to win,” he told theSun on Tuesday.
Apart from Sanjay, other Malaysians competing in Hong Kong include world No. 83 Duncan Lee and 22-year-old Ameeshenraj Chandran, who also featured in the recent Indian Open. Nathan Kueh, Joachim Chuah, and Syafiq Kamal will likewise be aiming to secure spots in the World Championships.
Sanjay will begin his campaign in Hong Kong against South Korea’s Jeongmin Ryu, marking their first meeting.
Regarding his preparation for the tournament, the Belgium-born Sanjay said he will need to put in extra effort to improve both physically and mentally.
“I have around eight days before leaving for Hong Kong and during this period, there will be quiet intensive training.
“I am also going to prepare myself mentally because I am most likely going to face other Malaysians, which will give different types of mental pressure,” he said.
Although he acknowledges facing significant challenges, Sanjay has consistently performed better against his fellow countrymen, including in his recent match against Lee at the all-Malaysian final of the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
Sanjay said he plans to use this win to support his bid to compete in the World Championships for a second consecutive year, after making his debut in the international tournament last year.
The Asian Qualifiers will also feature national women’s squash players Ainaa Amani, Yasshmita Jadishkumar, and Sehveetrraa Kumar.
