Kuching to host nine-nation Asian Doubles Squash Championship 2026 on June 18-21

The 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championship 2026 will bring together players from nine Asian countries for a four-day competition in Kuching from June 18 to 21.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 15: Nine countries will take part in the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships 2026 in Kuching from June 18 to 21 with a total of 69 players and 21 officials confirmed for the four-day tournament at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the tournament, organised by the Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) and sanctioned by the Asian Squash Federation, forms part of the federation’s annual competition calendar and will feature men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events.

“The 2026 edition will see participation from Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (China), India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand.

“Thailand will make its debut appearance in the mixed doubles category, while the Philippines will not participate this year due to its hosting commitments for the SEA Junior Individual Championship earlier this month,” he told reporters during a press conference of the event held here today.

Malaysia will host the championship for the third consecutive year, following editions in Johor Bahru in 2024 and Kuching in 2025.

Abdul Karim said the tournament also contributes ranking points for qualification pathways to the Asian Games 2026 and serves as preparation for future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games.

“The event underscores Sarawak’s growing capacity to host international sporting events and is expected to generate spin-offs in sports tourism and local economic activity,” he added. — DayakDaily