No sure road to gold

PETALING JAYA: It would be folly to put too high hopes on squash players S. Sivasangari (pic) and Ng Eain Yow to deliver the goods in the sport’s Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

National squash legend Datuk Nicol David warned that it is still too early to expect too much from Sivasangari and Eain Yow, adding that anything can happen in the next three years, including fiercer competition from other countries.

World No. 8 Sivasangari has been placed in the Road to Gold programme this year while Eain Yow, by virtue of his current 12th position in the men’s world rankings, is under the Fast Track programme.

“It is too early. In three years, many things can happen. We don’t want to put pressure on our athletes to win anything because squash is a new sport in Los Angeles,’’ said Nicoll, who is also the founder of Nicol David Organisation (NDO).

“Countries such as China and South Korea have also started investing aggressively in squash development knowing that the sport is going to be played in the Olympics for the first time.

“The competition for LA28 is going to be more challenging with new dynamics coming into play.

“Many countries are now spending big funds and aim to bring up many athletes to compete in the Olympics. We need to be fully prepared because the competition will only get tougher.

“Malaysia cannot take anything for granted just because we also have players like Sivasangari and Eain Yow who are able to contend on the world stage.’’

The former world No. 1 described the RTG and Fast Track initiatives as the best platform to help Sivasangari and Eain Yow compete with international players.

“I am proud that squash is now standing in line with other elite sports when two of our country’s representatives are selected to participate in this programme. RTG and Fast Track are the best form of support to help them reach a higher level.

“RTG is trying to meet their needs from all angles including physical, mental and technical. What is important is consistent development to help Malaysia approach its dream to win its first gold.”