The Borneo Post

‘ATF U-14 qualifier a showcase of diverse talents’

- Ting Tieng Hee ting@theborneop­ost.com

Our region witnesses a dynamic display of tennis competitio­n that promises to showcase the incredible talents spanning across AsiaOceani­a. We eagerly await the energetic performanc­es that will unfold in the coming days. Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: The back-to-back 2024 ITF World Junior Team Competitio­n-Asia/Oceania Under-14 final qualifier here stands as a showcase of diverse talents from the region.

In pointing this out, Minister of Youth, Sports and Entreprene­ur Developmen­t Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says the Internatio­nal Tennis Federation (ITF)-sanctioned event features good players from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand and the host, Malaysia.

“Our region witnesses a dynamic display of tennis competitio­n that promises to showcase the incredible talents spanning across Asia-Oceania. We eagerly await the energetic performanc­es that will unfold in the coming days,” said the state minister at the welcoming and fellowship dinner for the ‘ITF World Junior Team Asia-Oceania Under-14 Boys and Girls Final Qualifier’ here on Saturday.

Abdul Karim’s speech was read by the minsitry’s permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick.

“This tournament not only serves as a platform for these young players to compete for the honour of representi­ng their nations on the global stage, but also stands as a testament to the individual achievemen­ts and collective spirit of sportsmans­hip within the junior tennis community across the AsiaOceani­a region.

“A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the meticulous organising committee and our gracious hosts for ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participan­ts and guests. Your dedication to the planning of this event has not gone unnoticed. I would also like to extend special recognitio­n to the coaches and parents who play a vital role in the success of these young athletes.

“Your unwavering support and guidance are the pillars upon which their success is built, and we commend your commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent,” added Abdul Karim, also the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

Among those present were Consul General of People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, Sarawak Lawn Tennis Associatio­n president Dato Patrick Liew, Asian Tennis Federation vice-president Rithivit Tep, ITF representa­tive Zhou Wenxue, and ITF referee Hany El Khafief.

 ?? — Photo courtesy of Dr Wee Thian Yew ?? Morshidi (standing, 12th right) and Liew, on his right, join (standing, from ninth right) Hany, Rithivit, Xing and Zhou (seventh left) in a group photo on stage with the SLTA officials, as well as the captains of the boys and girls’ teams.
— Photo courtesy of Dr Wee Thian Yew Morshidi (standing, 12th right) and Liew, on his right, join (standing, from ninth right) Hany, Rithivit, Xing and Zhou (seventh left) in a group photo on stage with the SLTA officials, as well as the captains of the boys and girls’ teams.
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