THIS year’s 19th Penang (Malaysian) Junior Open 2023 squash tournament has attracted 701 local and international players to the Nicol David International Squash Centre from June 20 to 25.
The event, from June 20 to June 25, is being sponsored by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) and organised by the Squash Rackets Association of Penang (SRAP).
It is learnt that there is an increase in foreign players from 76 last year to 132 players this year.
A total of 569 local players from states, such as Penang, Johor, Sarawak and Kelantan, are participating.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the Penang (Malaysian) Junior Open has ever since been playing a pivotal role in providing local junior athletes with a platform to regularly compete at a higher level.
“Squash presents a viable path for athletes to turn professional and proudly raise our nation’s flag high.
“I yearn to witness more monumental achievements in Penang’s sporting landscape.
“And it is impossible not to associate this sport with Datuk Nicol David, the unparalleled women’s squash player who hails from Penang.
“Throughout her career, Datuk Nicol’s dominance on the world stage has brought immense pride to Penang and Malaysia.
“Her achievements have not only elevated squash’s popularity in the country but have also paved the way for its growth in Penang,” Soon said in his speech during a special dinner held at The TOP Komtar banquet ballroom on June 20.
Also gracing the event was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who was awestruck by the presence of so many exuberant athletes across the ballroom.
“To all the sponsors and well-wishers, thank you for your efforts, time and most importantly, for investing in these young athletes.
“I can assure you that although you may not get in return what you have offered and invested, you have put your money on a long-term agenda, which is for human capital in the most appropriate manner.
“There is no better way to invest in human capital than in sports.
“I want to ensure all that we use sports to unite children from all types of educational backgrounds,” Yeoh said during her speech.
She also shared a piece of good news after committing to pledge RM30,000 to the SRAP for the next six months.
“Use it for talent development and to assist our athletes and coaches to develop more meaningful programmes to help ensure Penang continues to produce champions in the state,” she added.
Also present during the dinner were SRAP president Datuk Linda Geh, PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan, Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia president Gerald Monteiro and Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal