KUALA LUMPUR – Four national squash players enlisted in the Road to Gold (RTG) fast-track programme, S. Sivasangari, Ng Eain Yow and siblings Aifa and Aira Azman, have a reason to celebrate as they receive robust support for their journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced at a press conference today that the athletes will enjoy comprehensive backing including individual training grants, specialised coaching, training equipment, recovery services, medical and sports science expertise, overseas training opportunities, and technical support.
This initiative underscores the ministry’s commitment to positioning squash as a frontrunner for Malaysia’s medal aspirations in the upcoming Olympics.
“Squash has consistently contributed to our medal tally, and with its inclusion in the Olympics, it was a natural fit for the Road to Gold programme – especially given the athletes’ achievements as Asian Games medalists.
“Our goal is to relieve the financial burden from these athletes, such as searching for funding, top-up money, and sponsors, so that they can compete and catch up with their peers.
“With the current structure in place, they can plan for the next four years without worrying about insufficient funding or having to pull back. All those worries are now gone for them.
“My aim is for squash to bring home the gold medal for Malaysia at LA 2028,” said Hannah during a press conference at the National Sports Council, Bukit Jalil, today.
Highlighting individual arrangements, Sivasangari continues training under coach David Palmer in Ithaca, New York, supported by physical coaching from Mark Burn.
Eain Yow has opted to train at Msquash in Norwalk, Connecticut, under coach Shaun Moxham, complemented by participation in a central training camp in Cairo, Egypt.
For now, Aifa and Aira maintain their training with Andrew Sam Cross in Kuala Lumpur, with periodic attachments in Pontefract, United Kingdom.
Additionally, they are guaranteed participation in 12 to 16 tournaments annually on the PSA World Tour, a significant increase from 10 which is aimed at elevating their global rankings and competitive edge. – July 15, 2024