KUALA LUMPUR: A record 1,043 players from 24 countries will compete in the 16th REDtone Kuala Lumpur International Junior Squash Championships from Dec 3-8.
Malaysia will have 711 players and there will be 332 foreign challengers.
Switzerland will be making their debut. The regulars are Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kuwait, Pakistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Wales and Malaysia.
It is the biggest junior squash event in Asia and second biggest in the world after the US Junior Open.
There will be six categories each in the boys' and girls' sections: Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.
The KL players expected to put a strong challenge are Khailash Ravi Kumar (boys' Under-17), Dakshayani Thangaraja (girls' Under-17), Ayesha Rania Syed Kebir (girls' Under-19), My Sarah Khairul Nizam (girls' Under-13) and Siti Aleeya Shahar (girls' Under-9).
Last year, there were 900 entries and 821 in 2022 and 860 in 2019. The tournament was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With squash's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, a lot of junior players want to play in the REDtone Kuala Lumpur International to gain experience.
REDtone Digital Berhad group chief executive officer Lau Bik Soon said: "It's inspiring to witness the remarkable growth of young talent in our country. This tournament serves as an exceptional platform to nurture and showcase their potential.
"The inclusion of squash in the Olympics opens an exciting pathway for our young athletes to compete on the world's most prestigious stage. As a longstanding partner, we are honoured to contribute to their journey," added Bik Soon.
With the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil still under renovations, the tournament will be held at four venues: Jalan Duta Squash Courts, Sky Arena at Setapak, Astaka Courts in Petaling Jaya and the Royal Selangor Club.