KUCHING: The 2024 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Junior Team Competition Under-14 Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying tournament kicks off as girls from 16 nations endure six days of intense matches of tennis.
The bright blue sky that loomed over Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) centre at Crookshank Road this morning was much appreciated by Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.
“I have to thank the Almighty for giving us such beautiful weather today in Kuching for you to enjoy the next couple of days of your competition.
“Play to the best of your ability, because I believe the courts of SLTA will see some of you later on, maybe at the Australian Open, you’ll be there one day,” he said in his speech before officiating at the tournament at the SLTA centre here.
Rentap went on to encourage the players, noting that the tournament serves as a stepping stone for more tournaments ahead.
“It is your commitment to come here, hopefully you trace back your achievements and remember that Kuching was once your playground and that you once played here.
“We are proud, the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development is very committed to all the sporting events.
“There are also some more (sporting) events lined up heading towards our Malaysian Games in August this year,” he said.
Rentap also said SLTA is upgrading its tennis facilities to enable more international tennis events to be held in the future with the support of ITF, Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) and the Malaysian Tennis Federation.
The tournament period is from Mar 18 to 23 for the girl’s category and from Mar 25 to 30 for the boys.
Meanwhile, Rentap also urged participants to take time off to explore the Bazaar Ramadan in Satok and also visit the Borneo Cultures Museum.
The participating countries are Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Malaysia.
Also present at the opening ceremony was SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew.
