9th WUC Squash underway

KUALA LUMPUR – The 9^th World University Squash Championship which kicks off in Kuala Lumpur today, 5 September, will see players from 19 countries taking part. The Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching in her speech at the opening ceremony Sunday night said the WUSC had become a launch pad to nurture and world class talent.

“Ever since its inception in 1996 in the Netherlands, the world witnessed a high level outstanding student players representing strong nations in squash to strengthen the relationship among participating countries and encourage propagation of knowledge and skills on the international stage.”

The opening ceremony dinner was also attended by Professor Dato’ Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Said (Chairman of Malaysian University Sports Council), Professor Kemal Tamer (FISU Executive Committee member), Dr. Abdul Halim Mokhtar (FISU Medical Committee member), Cyrus Poncha (FISU TD Squash) and Paulo Ferreira (Director World University Championships).  The teams were in their colorful country-themed shirts and high-spirited with their flag bearers leading the march pass.

The ceremony proceeded with a welcome note from the FISU EC member Professor Kemal Tamer, who thanked the Organizing Committee for its enduring efforts to stage such a magnificent event, while wishing all the countries and participants good luck over the coming competition days.

The hoisting of the FISU flag took place to the sound of the Gaudeamus Igitur anthem, followed by the oath of the judges and Malaysia’s squash hopeful and number 1 women’s seed Low Wee Wern undertook the oath on behalf of all athletes.

The tournament will still be filled with a star-studded cast of 19 countries vying for the overall individual and team titles. Among the top 3 countries vying for the accolades are Malaysia, Hong Kong China and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Hosts, Malaysia will seek to end a wait of a decade since Lim Yoke Wah last won a gold medal in the women’s individual singles.

The event results can be followed .

(Source: WUSC OC)