SUKMA 2026: KL Aim For At Least Four Golds In Tennis

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur tennis team are targeting at least four gold medals at the 2026 Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA), based on their squad strength and current performance levels.

KL tennis head coach Abdul Hazli Zainuddin, however, believes his team can clinch more than four golds if his players can maintain their fine form throughout the Games.

“Although we have set a minimum target of four gold medals, deep down we want to do better than that. But, based on our players’ current form and squad strength, four golds is a realistic goal.

“We believe our team can challenge for a few more medals, but I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on my players,” he told reporters after the press conference on the 2026 Kuala Lumpur Open Tennis Championships at a leading hotel here today.

He said the KL tennis squad have also been bolstered by several national players, including Imran Daniel Abdul Hazli and Darshan Suresh Kumar, both of whom have won medals for Malaysia on the international stage.

Abdul Hazli also expects Selangor, Sarawak and Perak as their closest challengers for SUKMA glory.

“Selangor are definitely strong. Sarawak have always given us a tough fight. Perak, meanwhile, have some quality players who can give our players a run for their money,” he said.

Earlier, Kuala Lumpur Lawn Tennis Association (KL Tennis) president Mirzan Mahathir officiated the launch of the KL Open Tennis Championships, which will be held from July 28-Aug 2.

The tournament, offering total prize money of RM81,500, is expected to attract over 200 players from Malaysia and abroad, including including Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and the Philippines.

The tournament is one of the premier events on the national tennis calendar and forms part of the National Circuit organised by the Malaysian Lawn Tennis Association (Tennis Malaysia).

-- BERNAMA