Local squash tournaments likely from next month

With the status of international competitions up in the air, Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) are planning to host two local competitions next month.

SRAM were supposed to host the Asian Team Championship (Nov 4-8), the Malaysian Open (Nov 17-22) and the World Women’s Team Championship (Dec 15-20) at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil but the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works.

However, the local competitions – Ohana Squash League on Sept 15 and the National Championship on Oct 6-10 – are expected to be held without any major hiccups.

SRAM director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam conceded that the fate of the international tournaments will only be known in the first week of September, after the recovery movement control order comes to an end.

“We have been in touch with the World Squash Federation, Asian Squash Federation and also the Health Ministry ... a decision will be announced in the first week of September. This is because of the fluid situation caused by the Covid19 pandemic,” said Maniam.

“Domestic competitions will be able to take place for now following the green light by the authorities, however that also depends on the prevalent conditions.”

“SRAM are prepared to hold the two domestic competitions and we are confident of running a successful event based on the team we have.

“We will have no problem running the competitions under the regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government.”