Breeding ground of champions Penang continues to produce new generation of promising squash players

Simply the best: Nicol (front) competing against compatriot Wee Wern during the 2013 CIMB Malaysian Open Squash.

MENTION Penang and, more often than not, images of its island lifestyle and gastronomic splendours come to mind. But did you know that the state is also home to international sporting greats? These include Olympians Jeffrey Ong and Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

And then, of course, we have our top female squash players in World No. 6 Low Wee Wern and World No.1 Datuk Nicol David, who is also the first Asian woman to achieve this honour.

The squash queen, who has ruled the courts since she picked up a racquet at age five, was recently nominated for the presti-gious 2014 Laureus World Sports Award.

In addition, Penang is nurturing a new generation of promising squash players including Vanessa Raj and Celine Yap, both of whom represented the country in the Asian Junior Championships last year.

With the seemingly endless string of sporting talents hailing from this state, one has to wonder: Is this a coincidence or does Penang possess that extra special something?

What could Penang’s secret be?

For one, the same indomitable spirit that has seen it grow from a remote fishing island to a cosmopolitan city seems to be well and present in its people today.

Penangites are living examples of the adage ‘size does not matter’; although the island is small in size, it is definitely big in heart.

And this can-do attitude has resulted in Penang’s growing prominence on the world map.

The state has plenty to offer, particularly in the sporting arena. With the mushroom-ing of sporting facilities as well as an increasing interest in a healthy lifestyle, more and more capable sportspeople will emerge.

Whether they will make an impact in the international scene remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the state’s potential is vast and it can only reach greater heights.

Come March 18, Penang will once again prove its mettle by hosting the 29th Women’s World Championship 2013. The event is of special significance for the state because seven-time champion (in 2005, 2006 and 2008-2012) Nicol will be defending her title.

Organised by Nusmetro, the 29th Women’s World Squash Championship follows the cancellation of the 2013 installation when Hong Kong and Egypt declined proposals to orga-nise the event.

CIMB Group is the title sponsor and The Star is the Official Media for this year’s event to be held at SPICE Arena in Bayan Baru. This Women’s Squash Association premier event offers US$120,000 (RM390,000) in prize money.

If its tagline is anything to go by, the event promises to be ‘Simply the Best’ with its opening ceremony touted to be the grandest in the championship’s history.

All Malaysians are urged to turn up and support our home-grown players as well as take advantage of this world-class event that will play out in our own backyard.

> For more information on the tournament and its opening ceremony, visit www.simplythebest.my.