Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association bags prestigious ATF gold recognition

Abdul Karim (fifth right) and SLTA president Dato Patrick Liew holds the ATF Gold Recognition Award while others look on during a press conference held at Baitul Makmur 2 on Jan 26, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 26: The Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) has made history by becoming the first Malaysian tennis association to receive the Gold Recognition Award from the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF).

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the award recognises SLTA’s exceptional standards in tournament organisation, athlete experience and facilities.

It places Sarawak among a select group of international venues trusted for excellence, professionalism and world-class hospitality.

“Gold recognition from an international body is not easy to obtain. This is the first time that an association in Malaysia that oversees tennis has been given this.

“It reflects the confidence the ATF has in Sarawak and the SLTA for its high commitment to organising numerous international tournaments,” he said during a press conference held at Baitul Makmur 2 today.

SLTA also unveiled its 2026 international tournament calendar, which will see six major events in Kuching.

The season will open with the 44th Premier Sarawak Cup, an ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J300 event, running from April 6 to 12.

From April 15 to 18, the city will host the debut of the World Chinese Tennis Federation (WCTF) Competition, which is expected to bring together over 300 players and delegates from across the globe.

The ITF World Junior Team Competition for Under-14 boys in the Asia/Oceania Qualifying stage will take place from April 19 to 26, followed immediately by the girls’ U14 Asia/Oceania Qualifying event from April 26 to May 3.

Later in the year, the 45th Premier Sarawak Cup, an ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J100 tournament, is scheduled from Sept 28 to Oct 4, and the calendar will conclude with the 19th ATF Asian U14 Series, to be held from Oct 13 to 18.

“The inclusion of the WCTF Competition follows a historic handover ceremony in Wenzhou, China, during which Sarawak officially received the event flag, marking the first time this global competition will be held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia,” Abdul Karim said. – DayakDaily