Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Squash Association has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talents through their effective junior development programme for the new year.
Its president Datuk Charles O Pang made the pledge following two successful outings of their junior players at the REDtone International KL Junior Open 2025 in Kuala Lumpur and the Singapore Junior Squash Open 2025 last December.
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He said the trips reflected the State’s continued commitment to long-term athlete development through high-level competitive exposure.
“Our 2025 campaigns reflected steady and encouraging progress within Sabah’s junior development structure and we are pleased to see our players are growing in confidence, resilience, and consistency.
“The tournaments that we participated in were never just about results. They were part of a long-term process to expose our juniors to strong competition, different playing styles, and the mental demands of high-level matches.
He added that the association plans to enhance its structured training approaches, focusing on physical preparation and mental development.
“The experience gained in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore provided us with a solid foundation for the year ahead. Our focus now is to build on this momentum, strengthen our development pathway and ensure our juniors are better prepared for future national and international challenges,” he said.
The State team competed in all eight age categories at the REDtone International KL Junior Open held from December 2-7.
Two boys and one girl in the Under-17, five boys and three girls in the Under-15, four boys and four girls in the Under-13, two boys and three girls in the Under-11.
According to Pang, they managed to achieve commendable results despite fierce competitions.
Highlights included Amber Kristy Muyou’s eighth place finish in the Girls’ Under-17, eleventh place finishes for Francine Ava Faurillo in the Girls’ Under-15 and Muhammad Zidane Zicqree in the Boys’ Under-15.
Six of the players went on to compete in the Singapore Junior Squash Open held from December 9-14.
Amber Kristy Muyou was again excelled with a third-place podium finish in the Girls’ Under-17, while Muhammad Zidane Zicqree was placed ninth in the Boys Under-15.
