By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 10: The 2025 Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying for the Junior Davis Cup (JDC) has kicked off in Kuching today, bringing together 23 nations in a fierce competition for two spots in the next stage of the prestigious tournament.
Organised by the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA), the event serves as a crucial platform for under-16 players to showcase their skills before advancing to the qualifying round in Kazakhstan this May.
Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president Dato Patrick Liew revealed that the tournament follows an eight-day format under the hospitality of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), during which all teams will play daily matches to determine their final rankings from first to 20th place.
The final match is set for March 15, with teams departing on March 16.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the opening ceremony, highlighted the positive impact the tournament brings to Sarawak’s tourism industry.
He noted that the young athletes are accompanied by their families, friends, and coaches, contributing to increased hotel occupancy and local spending.
“Some of them are even staying in suite rooms despite accommodations being provided.
“Additionally, with modern technology, they are sharing their experiences online, indirectly promoting Sarawak to a global audience,” he said during a press conference after the ceremony held at SLTA Centre in Jalan Crookshanks today.
He expressed confidence that the event would not only elevate tennis in the region but also encourage visitors to return to Sarawak in the future.
The Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying tournament continues to be a premier platform for junior players, reinforcing Kuching’s status as a hub for international sporting events while nurturing future stars in the world of tennis. – DayakDaily
