KUALA LUMPUR: Tennis Malaysia (TM) are looking to host more international tournaments at the National Tennis Centre (NTC), Jalan Duta once renovation works there have been completed.
Malaysia Stadium Corporation (MSC) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac on Saturday disclosed that a budget for the refurbishment of NTC, which was built in the late 1980s, had been approved by the Finance Ministry. Work will begin soon with completion expected in December.
TM president Mirzan Mahathir is hoping the revamp will make NTC one of the top tennis centres in the region.
"We are very happy with what we hear (from MSC), especially that the budget has been approved," said Mirzan yesterday.
"The changes that have to be made here (NTC) are actually there for everyone to see. This is a facility that is the envy of the region and it's upkeep is very important. Maintenance, however, has been an issue over the years.
"We hope that this (renovation) initiative will put us back at the top among regional tennis centres. This will allow us to attract other tournaments that are regional or international in nature because we meet the standard (facility-wise).
"We have learnt a lot from hosting the Billie Jean King Cup which will put us in good stead when we bid for tournaments.
"Our programme for next year is starting to solidify and we have booked various dates to host tournaments so other countries don't take them (dates). It would not make sense for us to host a tournament in the middle of Ramadan."
Among the competitions TM are eying include future editions of the Billie Jean King Cup, Davis Cup as well as ITF junior and senior tournaments.
TM had hosted the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group II competition at NTC last week.
Work set to be done at NTC includes resurfacing and replacement of the roof for the centre court, refurbishment of changing rooms and toilets in addition to replacement of lighting and fire systems.
Improvements to the parking, storage facility, hostel as well as the landscaping are also being considered.