Kuala lumpur: The Squash Racquet Association Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur (SRAFTKL) Junior Open Squash Championship continues to grow, with 722 young players from 17 countries set to compete in its second edition this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tournament has been upgraded from a silver to a gold-tier event in the Asian Junior Squash Circuit calendar, as stated by organizing chairman Syed Kebir. The event will take place at the National Sports Council Squash Courts in Jalan Duta and the University of Malaya Squash Courts from March 31 to April 5. This elevation to a gold-tier event by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) has attracted more entries compared to last year, which had 583 players from 14 countries.

The championship will feature six age categories for both boys and girls: Under-9 (U9), Under-11 (U11), Under-13 (U13), Under-15 (U15), Under-17 (U17), and Under-19 (U19). Players from across Asia and Europe are drawn to the event as it offers higher ranking points, making it a strong attraction. Out of the total entries, 527 players are from Malaysia, reflecting strong local participation alongside international competitors.

Among the notable participants is rising junior player Maisarah Mohd Khairul Nizam, who won the Under-13 girls' title in last year's edition. The tournament also received backing from the Touch 'n Go Group, comprising Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd and TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, which reaffirmed its commitment to squash development in Malaysia by extending its strategic partnership as the official partner of the SRAFTKL Junior Open.