RedONE Leads 12-Circuit WSF PSA Satellite Squash Tour To Nurture Malaysian Talent
These homegrown tournaments aim to elevate the rankings of local players on the international stage.
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Malaysia is set to establish itself as a prominent force in the world of squash through a series of twelve World Squash Federation (WSF) Satellite tour events.
These homegrown tournaments have a two-fold objective, to raise the rankings of local players on the global stage and to provide a platform for their growth and development.
The realization of these events has been made possible through the generous sponsorship and support of telecommunications company, RedONE Network Sdn Bhd.
RedONE, in collaboration with WSF, will oversee and finance the RedONE PSA and WSF Satellite Squash Championships, a 12-circuit tour that has gained official endorsement from both governing bodies.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Farid Yunus, expressed RedONE’s dedication to nurturing world-class players by allocating funds to enhance the skills and abilities of talented athletes.
Currently, RedONE sponsors national player S. Sivasangari, who holds an impressive international ranking.
Many young players who are new to the professional circuit find it challenging to travel to countries like Egypt, England, or Australia to compete and earn ranking points. Therefore, having this championship held in our own country is fantastic. It provides a remarkable opportunity for our players to improve.
RedONE CEO Farid Yunus
The 12-series homegrown circuit, managed by ACE Sports and Management, commenced in February of this year.
Tournaments have been hosted in various locations across Malaysia, including Negeri Sembilan, Bukit Jalil, and Penang.
The most recent competition was held at Sungai Ujong from June 8th to June 11th in Negeri Sembilan, where Goh Zhi Xuan claimed victory in the women’s category and Harith Danial secured the men’s title.
Participating in multiple tours is also crucial for professional squash players as it enables them to accumulate international ranking points, gain exposure, and earn prize money.
Hence, these tournaments also provide opportunities to attract sponsorships and represent their countries in prestigious international events, ultimately contributing to their career progression and success in the sport.
With permission from the WSF, ACE Sports & Management has taken the initiative to organize these tours, and RedONE has willingly taken on the financial responsibilities.
Highlighting the success story of Malaysia’s squash legend, Datuk Nicol Ann David, as evidence of the country’s potential to produce world champions in the sport, Farid said that provided there is sufficient financial support for facility improvements and player exposure.
We are dedicated to nurturing grassroots talent, especially among young players, enabling them to compete and gain the necessary exposure. Without such efforts, their talent may struggle to flourish.
RedONE CEO Farid Yunus
Farid, who has dedicated eight years to his role as the President of the Selangor Squash Association (SRAS), demonstrates a deep personal interest in squash.
This is evident through his support of his son, Aidan Yunus, who secured the Boys Under-19 National Junior Championships title in Bukit Jalil last March.
Notably, RedONE recently invested over RM200,000 in repairing the damaged facility at Astaka Petaling Jaya, previously utilized by SRAS for training purposes.
Farid also urged government-linked companies and corporations to prioritize sports sponsorship.
He suggested revisiting past sponsorship practices, such as government-linked companies supporting specific sports, citing examples like Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) sponsoring hockey, Telekom Malaysia (TM) supporting football, and Maybank’s association with track and field athletes.
Farid emphasized the need to provide a steady income for national players, as is the case in other countries like Pakistan, Thailand, and numerous others.
He compared successful athletes in those countries to soldiers or police officers, earning salaries while playing and receiving pensions upon retirement.
The upcoming sixth PSA WSF Satellite tournament is scheduled to take place on July 13 at the refurbished Astaka Sports Complex in Petaling Jaya.
This event promises to be another exciting milestone for Malaysian squash and a testament to the efforts made to support and develop local talent in the sport.
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