MELAKA — Melaka is set to host seven national and international tennis tournaments this year at the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) Tennis Complex in Ayer Keroh.
State Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Exco Datuk V. P. Shanmugam said the tournaments, scheduled between April and November, will include major events such as the ITF World Tennis Tour M15 Melaka Championship from November 3 to 9.
“So far, 15 countries have confirmed their participation, including China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia,” he told reporters at a press conference organised by the Melaka Lawn Tennis Association (MLTA).
Also present were MLTA president Shahrul Hafidz Ab Rahim and Melaka State Sports Council director Mohd Asri Ninggal.
The tournament will feature numerous ITF-ranked players competing for points to improve their global standings, Shanmugam added.
At the national level, Melaka will also host the Malaysian Junior Tennis Series Championship from May 21 to 25 and the Malaysia Open Tennis Championship from September 30 to October 5.
Meanwhile, at the Asian level, the state will hold the Melaka ATF for the under-14 and under-16 categories, as well as the Melaka Heritage International Inter-Team Tournament (MHIITT) 2025.
“The Melaka government fully supports these initiatives, not only to develop tennis but also to position the state as a key destination for sports tourism,” Shanmugam said.
He added that last year, the federal government, through the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), allocated RM500,000 for the repair and maintenance of the tennis complex.
With continued investment and collaboration, Shanmugam expressed hope that Melaka would further cement its place on the world tennis map.
He also emphasised that international tournaments like these provide a platform to unearth young local talent and foster a more competitive tennis scene in Malaysia.
“To ensure the smooth running of these tournaments, the state government will provide funding to MLTA and encourage private sector sponsorship through the National Sports Council (NSC), which allows for tax exemptions,” he said. — February 24, 2025