When the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic struck Brunei in 2020, it brought significant upheaval, drastically altering daily routines and leaving a sombre impact on the nation’s way of life. Amidst the turmoil, the authorities implemented restrictions that directly affected the sports community.
As part of the guidelines, both indoor and outdoor public sports facilities were closed, cutting off access to the spaces where athletes and enthusiasts had once thrived.
In those early pandemic days, people struggled with the new normal.
Non-essential travel was off-limits, and work shifted online, creating a world where digital interaction became the new standard. For the sporting community, this meant that national athletes and their coaches had to resort to online communication, as international competitions faced a slew of delays or cancellations, leaving athletes in a state of limbo.
Tennis, a sport cherished by many in Brunei, was among those deeply affected by this challenging period.
Yet, as the threat of COVID-19 gradually receded and life began to return to its familiar rhythms, tennis saw a remarkable resurgence.
The courts of the National Tennis Centre at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex began to buzz with activity once more, as eager enthusiasts flocked to play, rejuvenating the sport’s popularity.
At the competitive level, the Brunei Darussalam Tennis Association (BDTA) took the lead, organising local tournaments to rekindle the competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, recreational players – both beginners and those returning to the game – signed up for lessons, eager to improve their skills in singles, doubles, and even mixed doubles formats.
The BDTA, as the sport’s governing body, continued its mission of overseeing all tennis-related matters in the country, ensuring the sport’s growth and development reached every corner of the community.
Brunei’s tennis scene also made a comeback on the international stage. The men’s national team returned to the Davis Cup qualifiers, while the women’s team competed in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
These events, which capture the attention of millions globally, are a testament to the enduring appeal of tennis – a sport that has produced icons like Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, and more recently, Novak Djokovic and the retiring legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The revival of tennis in Brunei has been bolstered by the support of the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Through the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, provisions have been made to ensure that tennis facilities remain accessible and well-maintained.
The National Tennis Centre, equipped with eight hard courts, grass courts, two clay courts, and a centre court, continues to be the beating heart of tennis in the Sultanate.
Tennis was one of the first sports to be permitted back into public spaces following the lifting of restrictions, thanks to its nature as a non-contact sport. This led to a spike in participation; on some days, the National Tennis Centre welcomed as many as 31 players, a sign of the sport’s growing appeal.
The year 2022 marked a significant turning point for tennis in Brunei, as the BDTA, under the leadership of President Pengiran Haji Mohd Sufferizal bin Pengiran Haji Murzuki, rolled out a long-term plan to reinvigorate the sport.
With a fresh membership and administrative team, the association focused on a series of targeted initiatives aimed at boosting tennis’s profile across the nation. Progress may have started slowly, but it was deliberate, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Among the BDTA’s key initiatives has been the identification and nurturing of young talents, ensuring that the sport remains vibrant for generations to come.
Past efforts have produced players with the potential to compete at high levels, including Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim, Aiman Abdullah, and Billy Wong Kee Long, who has since transitioned into coaching.
The association has also actively encouraged families to bring their children to the National Tennis Centre, providing an opportunity for youngsters to experience the joy of the game.
Meanwhile, the BDTA has taken steps to expose local players to international competition, sending athletes abroad for tournaments and enrolling coaches in courses certified by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
A core focus of the BDTA’s long-term vision is to identify promising young players at the grassroots level who could eventually join the national team.
To cultivate a competitive environment, the association has hosted a series of local tournaments, such as a junior event in May and another slated for December. Additionally, Brunei has played host to the ASEAN Junior Tournament, bringing together junior athletes from across the region, further strengthening the nation’s reputation in the tennis community.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed. The successful organisation of regional tournaments has earned the BDTA recognition from the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF), positioning Brunei as a capable host for high-level competitions. For the country’s aspiring players, this represents a golden opportunity to gain invaluable experience and test their skills against regional counterparts, preparing them to face the challenges of competing on a broader stage.
The renewed energy around tennis in Brunei stands as a testament to the resilience of the sport’s community. From the dark days of pandemic restrictions to the vibrant resurgence of local courts, the journey of tennis has been one of perseverance and passion.
As the BDTA continues to work towards elevating the game in Brunei, the future looks bright, promising a new generation of players ready to make their mark, both locally and internationally.
With a steadfast commitment to growth, Brunei’s tennis scene is poised to thrive, offering a promising chapter for a sport that has brought together enthusiasts of all ages. – Fadhil Yunus
