KUCHING – Sarawak’s young tennis sensation Ryoga Kho has once again underlined his growing reputation on the national stage after capturing another doubles crown at the TennisMalaysia Junior Tour 2025 Leg 6 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
The 13-year-old student of SMK Kuching High partnered with Oezil Ajib of Kuala Lumpur to secure the Boys’ Under-14 Doubles title, defeating Selangor’s Mak Zoo-M and Pahang’s Declan Colin in the final with a commanding 4-2, 4-1 victory.
This latest triumph follows their earlier success at the Leg 4 tournament in Melaka in August, further cementing their status as one of the most consistent junior pairs in the country.
Their achievements have propelled them to No. 3 in the national Under-14 boys’ doubles rankings, a remarkable feat for such a young partnership.
Ryoga also demonstrated his fighting spirit in the singles competition, where he battled through a gruelling three-hour final against Selangor’s Mak Zoo-M.
Despite a strong start, he eventually finished as runner-up with a scoreline of 7-6(7-4), 0-6, 4-6, showcasing both resilience and determination.
The Kho family’s tennis journey does not stop there. Ryoga’s younger brother, 11-year-old Yoshi Kho of SJKC Stampin Kuching, also impressed in the Under-12 category, earning a bronze medal in singles and a silver medal in doubles.
Yoshi’s recent performances build on his earlier double-gold triumph at the Sarawak Schools Tennis Championship (MSSS) 2025 in Bintulu, where he dominated both singles and doubles events.
Both brothers train under the guidance of coach Norhairi Khaider from the Persatuan Tenis Bumiputera Sarawak (PTBS), an organisation actively nurturing grassroots talent in the state.
PTBS has been instrumental in providing opportunities for young players, despite limited resources, through development programmes and junior clinics aimed at broadening access to the sport.
Coach Norhairi’s dedication, combined with the boys’ determination, has enabled the Kho brothers to consistently represent Sarawak at national and international levels.
Their progress reflects the growing strength of Sarawak’s junior tennis scene, which continues to produce promising talents despite challenges in funding and infrastructure.
Sports observers note that Ryoga’s success at just 13 years old positions him as one of Malaysia’s brightest tennis prospects.
His ability to excel in both singles and doubles demonstrates versatility and maturity beyond his age. Meanwhile, Yoshi’s rapid rise in the Under-12 category suggests that the Kho brothers could form a formidable presence in Malaysian tennis for years to come.
The achievements of Ryoga and Yoshi also highlight the importance of sustained support for junior athletes in Sarawak.
With continued backing from PTBS, schools, and state sports bodies, the Kho brothers are expected to carry Sarawak’s name proudly onto bigger stages, inspiring the next generation of players.
