KUALA LUMPUR – Squash player S. Sivasangari is the latest addition to the Youth and Sports Ministry’s Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed Sivasangari’s inclusion in the RTG programme during a press conference at Menara KBS in Putrajaya today.
Sivasangari, who is currently ranked number eight in the world, meets the top-10 criteria required to be eligible for RTG.
She was previously part of the Fast Track programme, which is a tier below the full-fledged RTG initiative.
“For squash, we were recently included in the Olympic programme for Los Angeles 2028, so being part of RTG is a big help,” said Sivasangari during the press conference.
“I’m also based overseas, so this support helps me a lot financially.
“We have another player, Ng Eain Yow, who is currently in the Fast Track programme, and hopefully, he can join us in RTG soon.
“All of us in the RTG programme are working hard in preparation for the Olympics, and being in this programme gives us what we need to really push for strong results at the Games.”
After years of campaigning, squash is finally set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
Meanwhile, national badminton doubles shuttler Aaron Chia also commended the RTG initiative, citing how the programme has helped him in preparing for tournaments.
“As an athlete, I think we need to be grateful for this programme, as it has been very beneficial to our preparations for all the competitions we’re participating in,” said Aaron at the press conference.
A total of 12 athletes have been confirmed for the RTG programme this year, with the majority being badminton players.
The 12 are: Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, M. Thinaah, Pearly Tan, Man Wei Chong, Tee Kai Wun, Chen Tang Jie, Toh Ee Wei (all badminton), Aniq Kasdan (weightlifting), Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Izzah Izzati Asri (both track cycling), and Sivasangari (squash).
Another four badminton players – Goh Sze Fei, Izzuddin Rumsani, Goh Soon Huat, and Shevon Lai – who are all independent athletes, have been offered places in the RTG programme but have yet to confirm their participation as they are currently on tour.
Four athletes are currently under the Fast Track programme this year: Ariana Nur Dania, Syaqiera Mashayikh, and Nur Azreena Fazil (all archery), along with Eain Yow (squash).
The RTG programme is designed to provide Malaysia’s top athletes with the additional support they need to challenge for gold at the Olympics and other major international competitions.
In addition to support in sports science, competition exposure, and coaching, athletes under the RTG programme also receive a monthly allowance of RM3,000.
Athletes under the Fast Track programme receive the same support, except for the monthly allowance. – June 10, 2025