PETALING JAYA: Squash legend Datuk Nicol David is unstoppable.
Even after retirement, the eight-time world champion keeps shining for the country in various ways.
Yesterday, she was inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame, in a special ceremony in Hong Kong for her years of service in the world of squash.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame in squash is such a milestone for me as it is the highest honour in squash history,” said Nicol.
“I’m so blessed and humbled for this honour to be recognised for my achievements with other great names of squash.
“When I started to play this sport, I never thought that my life would bring me to this moment where I was able to make a name for my country on the world map.
“I want to dedicate this honour to my parents, to my coach Liz Irving and to Malaysia,” beamed Nicol.
It’s her second such recognition as she was also inducted into the Hall of Fame by the World Squash Federation (WSF) in 2011, while she was still playing.
Nicol retired in 2019, but not after leaving a trail of impressive results that the current generation is finding hard to match.
She reigned as the queen of squash at the world No. 1 for 108 consecutive weeks. Besides her awesome eight world titles, she also bagged 81 professional titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, five Asian Games gold medals and became the world junior champion twice.
Many may have thought that Nicol will resort to a quiet life after decades of a punishing training regime and hectic travelling, but she continues to make an impact in different capacities.
She has been a valuable voice as a member of the Road to Gold committee.
Nicol also has set up her foundation called Nicol David Organisation (NDO) together with Mariana de Reyes to empower the B40 community.
The objective of NDO is to empower girls and boys through the values of sport and education by providing an after school programme that supports mid and low-income families in Kuala Lumpur with their “Little Legends” programme that gives squash training and English tutoring to children.
It was launched in June 2022 with 62 children and the goal is to support 140 kids under their five-year programme.
The organisation also runs the ‘’Ibu Legend’’, empowering women with much emphasis on education to break the cycle of poverty.
Truly, Nicol has her heart placed in the right places and is a respectable icon not only in the country but also on the global stage.
