By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 21: International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments are capable of not only fostering the growth of tennis in the State, but also boosting tourism in Sarawak.
According to Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the ITF World Junior Team Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying U14 (Girls) features 16 teams of girls under the age of 14 from across Asia and Oceania.
“This year, we are seeing 16 teams, I was told, and these are all under-14 ladies from all over Asia and Oceania, and I believe this must be the cream of the cream (sic) of each country, with countries like Iran, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and others coming down here,” he said after officiating at the ‘ITF World Junior Team Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying U14 (Girls)’ event which was held today at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) premises in Kuching.
He noted that with many players from different countries participating in the ITF tournament, it is a great opportunity for them to learn about Sarawak, such as the local culture and cuisine, as well as spread the word about the region’s hospitality.
“We are now in the digital age, and every single one of them has a smartphone.
“They will take photographs and send them back to their home countries; this is also considered part of promoting Sarawak and Malaysia.
“That’s why I’m very happy to see tournaments like this one being held—international tournaments involving people from all over the world,” he added.
Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), during his speech, encouraged the visiting international players to try Sarawak cuisine and visit local tourist attractions so that they can share what they had experienced when they return home.
The ITF World Junior Team Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying U14 (Girls) will take place from today until March 25, while the ITF World Junior Team Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying U14 (Boys) will take place from March 27 to April 1.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew. — DayakDaily
