Kota Kinabalu: An all-Sabahan squad has been invited to represent Malaysia at the upcoming World Junior Soft Tennis Championship, scheduled to take place in Jingshan, Hubei, China, from Oct 26 to Nov 1.
SSTA President Justin Liew, who is leading the delegation alongside coaches Fendy Rayner Jimmy and Beverly Koh, confirmed the lineup on Wednesday.
The male athletes are Jedidiah Kwan Ming Zhe, Jayden Jay Ng, Micah Joel Lai Chang You, Mason Lo Jun Hoe, and Abraham Chung Jay Feng, while the female athletes are Euodia Lai Hung Qing, Wong Xin Yu, Eloise Voon Yee Qian, Allyson Faustina Fendy Mojikol, and Abby Siaw Mei Qi.
He noted that the International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF) invitation to the prestigious tournament is a significant achievement, recognising the development of Malaysia’s junior soft tennis players — particularly those from Kota Kinabalu.
He credited Malaysia Soft Tennis Association (MSTA) President Dato Shamshuzaman Hj Sulaiman and SSTA Patron Grace Lee Li Mei for their leadership and support in driving the players’ continued improvement.
“With the added support of their parents and coaches, these players have improved leaps and bounds since starting at a very young age under the guidance of head coach KK Chin.
“Many have participated in international friendlies, including tours to Taiwan, and have competed in junior tournaments across South Korea, China and Thailand,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude for the financial support received from the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, the Sabah Sports Council, Grace Lee, MSTA, GT Star Automobile, JKS Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., SK Tyres & Batteries Services, Hotel D’Northstar and Sukses Utama.
