Squash darling Sivasangari decides to make US her base

PETALING JAYA: National squash player S. Sivasangari is all set to embark on a new education-cum-playing journey at the prestigious Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, one of the Ivy League schools in the United States.

The 19-year-old will leave for Ithaca on Saturday to pursue a degree in Mass Communications and will play her first tournament as a freshman in the Tournament of Champions at the Grand Central Terminal from Jan 16-24.

The Kedah lass who will be coached by former world No.1 David Palmer, said she expects a tough time in juggling squash and studies but she’s looking forward to the challenge.

“I will have to keep an eye on my Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) because I’m on a scholarship. It will be tough to get used to the studies and squash in my first year but this is a choice that I have made and I’ll just work harder,” said the CIMB Foundation scholarship holder yesterday.

“It was a tough decision for me to make as I really wanted to play professional squash but the offer from Cornell is a very good one for my future and I felt I should take the challenge to play collegiate squash and study.”

“The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and Cornell have an understanding to let me compete for Malaysia ... and having Palmer as the coach will be another chance for me to improve my squash and add a different dimension to my game.”

Sivasangari had a meteoric rise last year after reaching a career high of 41st in the world. She was named the 2018 PSA Young Player of the Year and also won the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games silver medal in the women’s individual event.

“Collegiate squash standard is quite high and I believe playing there will keep me on my toes. I will still be playing for Malaysia whenever it’s possible as per SRAM’s arrangement with Cornell,” said the current world No. 51.

SRAM director of coaching Major (Rtd) S. Maniam said the national body have always been looking to tie up with Ivy League colleges.

“The problem with going abroad like this is that sometimes they find it very difficult to come back and represent Malaysia while studying,” said Maniam.

“It is important that we underline with universities that we will send our players to study and represent you but for the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games as well as the World Championships, you have to send them back here.”

“The problem is with exam periods as there is no way to get them back even if it is the Commonwealth Games or SEA Games. I think we had the same issue when the national swimmers went abroad,” he added.