By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 26: Sarawak will need to significantly upgrade and extend its squash facilities if it is to host the squash event at the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that Sarawak has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Kuala Lumpur to be the host state for squash in the regional sporting event.
鈥淚f I鈥檓 not mistaken, we did submit to Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Youth and Sport, for Sarawak to be the host for squash in SEA Games. And we also plan to improve on the facility in Kuching because it seems that for SEA Games, squash needs to be at least double in terms of facility 鈥 the courts here are not enough,鈥 he said in a pre-recorded interview.
He made this remarks after officiating the closing ceremony and medals presentation of the 2nd Asian Doubles Squash Championship 2025 at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya today.
He added that once the green light is given, construction and development works must begin promptly to ensure readiness before 2027.
When asked if the existing squash centre was ready to host an event of SEA Games calibre, Abdul Karim reiterated the need for upgrades, including the construction of more courts.
鈥淚f Kuching is given the right to host squash, we will definitely have to do something to the squash facilities. We need an extension to add more courts. That can be addressed within a few months. The SEA Games is in 2027, still quite some time away. I think within six months, if funding is secured, we should be able to get it done,鈥 he said.
Commenting on player concerns over the heat during the current championship, Abdul Karim acknowledged the issue and said it can be resolved with proper air-conditioning and maintenance.
鈥淭here is some problem with the aircon. I was not informed much earlier. If I had been, I would have gotten this addressed. It鈥檚 unfortunate because during the tournament, the aircon keeps tripping. There鈥檚 a leak due to a likely blockage in the piping but it is a problem that can be easily rectified by a proper technician,鈥 he explained.
He also dismissed claims that Kuching鈥檚 weather is unusually hot compared to other SEA Games host cities.
鈥淲hether it鈥檚 in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta or Thailand, the heat is the same. I don鈥檛 see any desert in Kuching,鈥 he quipped.
The 2nd Asian Doubles Squash Championship, held from June 23 to 26, features 15 doubles teams from across Asia, showcasing top talents in the sport and further positioning Kuching as a competitive venue for international squash tournaments. 鈥 DayakDaily