KUALA LUMPUR – The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) is on a mission to showcase its top-tier athletes at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, marking a historic debut for squash.
The development was confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday, following the approval by its executive board.
While the full IOC membership is set to ratify this decision on Monday, SRAM’s coaching director S. Maniam, also known as Major Maniam for his pre-retirement position, said he is glad that their longstanding endeavour to include squash in the Olympics has finally borne fruit.
“I have been involved in the fight for squash to be included in the Olympics for more than two decades now. From the time of Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar (SRAM president from 1978 to 1989) up to now.
“I have even travelled to Lausanne, Switzerland and met with the presidents of the IOC and World Squash Federation to put forward our bid. We have done everything and finally all of this has borne fruit. This payoff is such exciting and pleasurable news,” he said.
Maniam added that they are also eagerly anticipating the chance to demonstrate their prowess at the grandest global sporting stage, the Olympics.
According to the IOC, squash’s inclusion in LA28 will be for its singles event.
Consequently, SRAM is awaiting further clarification from the sports governing body regarding the specifics of player qualifications for the Games, whether by region, country, or world ranking.
“At the moment, only the individual event, which is both men and women, will be featured, meaning that only three players from across the globe will earn medals.
“So, hypothetically, to secure an Olympic medal, players ideally need to be ranked in the top 10 globally.
“As of now, we have promising talents like Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari, both on the cusp of breaking into the top 10 rankings. With five more years of dedicated preparation, I am confident that these two will achieve that milestone.
“Additionally, younger players such as Aifa and Aira Azman, and Ameeshen Chandran, possess the potential to reach these heights, making our quest for an Olympic medal all the more intriguing and feasible,” Maniam added.
The long-awaited inclusion of squash in the Olympics necessitates extensive preparations, involving government support, private sponsors, and rigorous training.
Maniam assured that the Youth and Sports Ministry, the National Sports Council, and the National Sports Institute have consistently supported squash and are expected to continue doing so, especially as the sport reaches new heights.
“Partnerships with sponsors like CIMB and West Coast Expressway, who have generously backed us, will be pivotal in our journey.
“This endeavour will require a concerted, well-structured effort from all stakeholders to elevate our players to their highest potential.” – October 14, 2023