Sarawak, Malaysia (GNP): Pakistan opened its campaign with a commanding double victory on the opening day of the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships 2026, which got underway today in Sarawak, Malaysia, and runs through June 21.
In the first match, Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman defeated Japan’s Naoki Hayashi and Ren Makino 2-0 (11-8, 11-10) in 25 minutes, while Muhammad Hamza Khan and Muhammad Asim Khan followed with an equally dominant display, dismissing Chinese Taipei’s Yu-Wei Lin and Pan Hong Rui 2-0 (11-5, 11-3) in just 14 minutes.
Both Pakistani pairs are scheduled to return to court for their next matches later today.
Sarawak will once again take centre stage in Asian squash when it hosts the 3rd Asian Doubles Championships 2026 from June 18 to 21 at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Jalan Diplomatik here.
The tournament, which is organised by Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS), will feature nine countries namely Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand.
“This is the third time Malaysia is hosting it and the second time in Sarawak. The last Asian Doubles Championship was also held in Sarawak and we are honoured to be given the opportunity to host it again,” Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told a press conference to announce the tournament at his office at the Baitulmakmur II building on Monday.
The event will feature three categories of men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
According to Abdul Karim, the championships is expected to contribute significantly to sports tourism with athletes, officials, family members and supporters travelling to Kuching for the event.
“When they come in, it is not just the players as their managers, family members and supporters will also be here. They will stay in our hotels, dine at our restaurants and purchase local products and souvenirs and this will support our tourism and hospitality industries,” he said.
He said that Sarawak’s ability to host major international events continued to strengthen its position as an emerging sports hub in the region.
He also said the tournament would be the final event held at the Sarawak Squash Centre before renovation works commence as part of preparations for the 2027 SEA Games.
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“The hosting of this championship is another important milestone for Sarawak’s sports development agenda. It demonstrates our growing capability and confidence in organising international sporting events.
India will enter the tournament as defending champions in all three categories. Thailand will make its debut through the mixed doubles event.
Meanwhile, SRAS president Lucy Read said the association was honoured to host the championships for the first time with full hosting rights following the successful co-hosting of the 2025 edition with the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).
She added that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase Sarawak’s hospitality, sporting facilities and organisational capabilities to the regional squash fraternity.
A total of 16 men’s doubles pairs, 13 women’s doubles pairs and 18 mixed doubles pairs will compete over the four-day tournament.
