Beng Hee’s dream of squash academy in China fulfilled

Work in progress: The Dream Squash academy helmed by Ong Beng Hee (inset) undergoing court installation in Beijing. – FB pic

PETALING JAYA: Globe-trotting Ong Beng Hee is just one month away from opening his ground-breaking squash venture – the Dream Squash Academy – in Beijing.

Beng Hee, who ventured out of Malaysia in 2017 as the head coach of Aatar in 2017 and also had successful stint as the United States head coach from 2021-2024 , has always been known for his independent and innovative approach in promoting squash.

While former world No. 7 Beng Hee has made a fine transition from being Malaysia’s most successful men’s player on the professional circuit into a quality coach, establishing an academy had also been a dream for the Malaysian.

Beng Hee, realising the huge potential China possess in becoming a squash powerhouse, has chosen Beijing to establish his academy in the badminton-crazy nation after completing his successful stint as the US coach this June.

The Dream Squash Academy was not only meant for the grassroots but it will also cater for the elite players who want to make a stopover while competing in Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour in Asia and get quality coaching under Beng Hee and his set of coaches to be announced soon.

Beng Hee wrote in his Facebook page that the academy is almost ready.

“We are finalising court installation and putting the final touches on the rest of the site,” posted Beng Hee.

“We are almost ready for the opening of DreamSquash! Aiming to formally open by September. Can’t wait!.”

The fact that squash will be making it’s debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could see China taking the sport seriously and they are expected to catch up with the other top nations, including Malaysia, in the near future.

The academy could also be another option for Malaysian players to have stints if they wish to train under Beng Hee.

There is also news that some former Malaysian players like ex-women’s world No. 5 Low Wee Wern and men’s professional Ivan Yuen may join the coaching stable of Beng Hee.

Beijing will be the first centre for Dream Squash and they are also planning to open up more academies in other provinces in China in the coming years.