Kuala lumpur: National squash head coach Ajaz Azmat believes several players from Malaysia's SEA Games Thailand 2025 squad have a strong chance of earning places in the national team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Ajaz highlighted men's singles gold medallist Sanjay Jeeva and silver medallist Duncan Lee as key contenders due to their impressive performances at the SEA Games and their growing consistency on the international circuit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ajaz noted that Sanjay and Duncan are ranked second and fourth respectively among Malaysian players in the PSA (Professional Squash Association) World Rankings. He mentioned the possibility that either could be selected for the Asian Games in individual or mixed doubles events. The coach also pointed out that players who were not part of the SEA Games squad, like Ameeshenraj Chandaran and Mohammad Syafiq Kamal, remain in the running for selection, with final decisions to be made closer to the 2026 Asian Games.
Based on the PSA World Rankings, Ng Eain Yow is Malaysia's top-ranked player at 17th, followed by Sanjay at 60th, Ameeshenraj at 80th, Duncan at 92nd, and Mohammad Syafiq at 126th. The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 4 to October 4 next year.
Ajaz remarked that Malaysia's strong performance at the SEA Games Thailand 2025 showcased the emergence of a new generation of players capable of sustaining the country's success in squash. He emphasized the team's clean sweep of all four gold medals contested, along with the valuable experience gained by several debutants, as evidence of the depth of talent within the national setup. "I am confident they will continue to progress to the next level in the future," he said.
Looking ahead, Ajaz expressed optimism about the current players' readiness to tackle future SEA Games challenges and meet targets set by the National Sports Council (MSN). In addition to Sanjay, Malaysia's other gold medalists were Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi in women's singles, Harith Danial Jefri-Sehveettrraa Kumar in mixed doubles, and Harith Danial and Low Wa Sern in men's doubles. The SEA Games Thailand 2025, which began on December 9, concludes today.