KUCHING: Sarawak will have the first glass squash court in Borneo with a development cost estimated at around RM8 million in preparation for hosting squash events at the 2027 SEA Games.

Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the international standard facility will be developed by the Sarawak Government with the support of the Federal Government to strengthen the state's sports infrastructure.

According to him, the glass court is the current standard of international squash tournaments because it offers a better viewing experience to the audience and meets the requirements of high quality television broadcasts.

"When this court is completed, it will open up opportunities for Sarawak to organise more international squash tournaments in addition to supporting the organisation of the 2027 SEA Games," he said.

He said this when met by the media after attending the Welcome Dinner in conjunction with the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championship, representing Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on Wednesday.

Datuk Gerald added that the project also includes the construction of an audience facility with a capacity of about 800 people, a special lighting system and world-class broadcasting facilities.

He added that the construction work is expected to start after the tournament ends and the facility is poised to be fully completed before the SEA Games 2027.

In a related development, he described the organisation of the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championship as an important platform in the development of sports talent, especially among young athletes.

He said that the tournament, which entered its third edition, brought together about 70 players from nine countries, thus reflecting the positive development of squash in the region.

"There are not many doubles squash courts in Malaysia and we are proud that Sarawak has this facility. We want to see more young athletes given the opportunity to develop and achieve success at the highest level," he said.

He also urged the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and the Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) to increase the organisation of competitions including at the grassroots level to strengthen the development of the state's backup athletes.

According to him, the development of international standard sports facilities also has the potential to boost sports tourism when more foreign teams choose Sarawak as a location for training and organising tournaments.

"When teams from outside come and train here for a few days or weeks, it provides an economic spillover effect to the local hospitality, food and service sectors," he explained.

Also present were MYSED Permanent Secretary Dzulkornain Masron, SRAS Advisor and Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, SRAM Deputy President Mohammad Azlan Iskandar and SRAS President Lucy Read. -UKASnews