THE Squash Rackets Association of Penang (SRAP) has renamed its prestigious junior championships from the Penang (Malaysia) Junior Open to the Penang Junior Open.
SRAP president Datuk Linda Geh explained that after 11 years of hosting the Malaysian series, the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) decided to hold the event in Kuala Lumpur this year.
As a result, the tournament will return as the PBA Penang Junior Open, with its 22nd edition scheduled to take place at the Nicol David International Squash Centre from June 30 to July 5.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, representing the state EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, praised SRAP at a press conference for their efforts in organising the tournament.
“Reaching the 22nd edition of this tournament is a remarkable achievement, reflecting many years of dedication and commitment from the association, sponsors, volunteers, and the wider squash community,” she said.
Tan added that Penang is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for junior squash development, attracting young athletes from around the world not only to compete, but to grow.
A total of 764 players — 237 international and 527 local — have registered for the championships, which feature categories for Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 boys and girls.
The foreign participants are from Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, USA and Ireland, while the local participants are from Federal Territory, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Putrajaya, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Selangor, Terengganu and BJSS/SRAM.
Highlighting the tournament’s legacy in junior squash development, Tan noted that it has produced several champions, including Nicol David, who later became an eight-time world champion and whose namesake squash centre fittingly honours her achievements.
“The legacy of Datuk Nicol David continues to inspire a new generation to aim higher and push further. Beyond competition, what matters most is not only who wins on court, but how these young athletes grow off the court — as disciplined, resilient, and confident individuals. Sport has a unique ability to shape character, and that is something we should never underestimate,” she said.
Also present at the press conference were tournament director Anges Ooi; Viknesh Raghunathan from Penang Water Supply Corporation, representing PBAPP Head of Corporate Affairs Division Joyce Lee Suan Imm; Khoo Teng Hin; and Aaron Soyza, who, together with Geh, have been involved in organising the PBA Penang Junior Open since its inception 22 years ago.
Players to watch this year include those who performed strongly at the recent Asian Junior Individual Championships in China, such as Girls U15 champion Yin Zi Yuan (China), Girls U15 runner-up Mahnoor Ali (Pakistan), Girls U13 champion Kareena Sashikumar (Singapore), Girls U13 runner-up Rio Yoshino (Japan), Boys U13 champion Leung Ngo San (Hong Kong), and Boys U17 runner-up Shiven Agarwal (India), who will compete in the Boys U19 category.
Local Penang talents to watch include Ivan Chang (BU19), Yek Rui Jean (GU17), Vidhurran Ruthiran (BU15), Kayvern Arthur (BU15), Lukesh Chandrasekaran (BU13), and Taaneshsathiyen Sai (BU11).
Geh expressed her appreciation to PBA for its continued sponsorship, as well as to the state government, the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), the Penang Island City Council, and St Giles Wembley Hotel for their support.
She said SRAP is proud that many of its talented players have gone on to study at Ivy League universities or make a name for themselves professionally.
Notable examples include Datuk Nicol David, who established the Nicol David Organisation to inspire young people through sport and education; Ong Beng Hee, who set up a squash academy in China in 2024; Allan Soyza, now head coach of India; Low Wee Wern, head coach of the Philippines; and Celine Yeap, Jesmond, and Ammar, who are coaching in China.
Several former participants, including Tho Wei Yan, Ishant, Dhirren, and Reshika, have gone on to pursue tertiary education in the United States through scholarship programmes.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En