Yiwen named squash ambassador

PETALING JAYA: Teenager Chan Yiwen (pic) is looking forward to put squash on the world map after being named the ambassador for the Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Oct 7-12.

Yiwen and compatriot Siow Yee Xian will be among 36 players from 27 nations who will get a chance to experience the sport’s first taste of Olympic competition.

The national junior reckons that squash’s debut at the Youth Olympics as an exhibition sport with no medals at stake will stand the sport in good stead as it bids to get into the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Squash has repeatedly failed to get into the Summer Olympics and the sport’s inclusion at the youth level is certainly a massive step forward for global recognition.

“The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and World Squash Federation (WSF) have always worked hard to get squash into the Olympics. We’re at the Youth Olympics as an exhibition event and I’m so excited to be a part of the Games. I’m glad to get the opportunity to popularise the sport,” said the 17-year-old yesterday.

“We failed to get into the previous Olympics in Rio and the next in Tokyo 2020 but I think our inclusion in the Youth Olympics this year gives us a better chance to be included in the Paris Olympic in 2024.

“This is a good chance for us to prove that squash will be a good sport to be contested in the Olympics and it’s a sport at the same level with badminton and tennis, which require mental and physical strength.”

Besides competing in Buenos Aires at the all-glass showcourt at Technopolis Park, Yiwen has to meet and encourage the spectators to try squash at the introductory clinics.

Yiwen, who rose to prominence by winning the Under-19 competition at the National Junior Squash Championships and helping the national team finish third at the Asian Team Championships in March, said that she’s eyeing to finish in the top four in Buenos Aires.

“I’ll take it one match at a time although my aim is to be in the top four. I think I have a good chance based on the other players competing there.

“But first, I need to be injury free. We are in the midst of off-season, so my training is focused on reducing my weight and building muscle,” said the Taylor College student.