The Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia is setting its sights on Olympic glory in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, following the exciting inclusion of squash in the event. With hopes of showcasing their top talents on the global stage, Malaysia’s squash community is celebrating this milestone, aiming to make a strong impact in the upcoming Olympic competition.
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The Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) is setting its sights on success at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, thanks to their Asian Games champions, Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari. In an interview with SRAM coaching director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam, it is revealed that the association is banking on these two young talents, both of whom are in their mid-20s, to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Eain Yow, the men’s singles champion, and Sivasangari, the women’s singles champion, have already demonstrated their potential. Currently, Eain Yow is ranked in the top 20 worldwide, while Sivasangari, despite being ranked 37th, is playing at a level that rivals the top 20 players. Maniam believes that in five years, these two athletes could be among the world’s top 10 players, making them strong contenders for Olympic medals in Los Angeles.
However, the aspirations of SRAM don’t rest solely on Eain Yow and Sivasangari. Maniam also has high hopes for the Azman sisters, Aifa and Aira, as well as up-and-coming men’s singles player Ameeshenraj Chandaran. He believes that these players could also be in the running for medals or even break into the top 10 in the world rankings by 2028.
To achieve these ambitious goals, SRAM plans to collaborate with the National Sports Council and the Olympic Council of Malaysia. They aim to devise strategies and provide the necessary support to ensure their players excel at the 2028 Olympics.
One significant piece of news for the squash community is the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board’s decision to include squash (singles event) as one of the five additional sports in the 2028 Olympic Games. The other four sports added are baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football (a variant of American football), and lacrosse (sixes). Maniam expressed great joy at the recognition of squash by the IOC and its upcoming debut in the 2028 Olympics, marking the culmination of years of effort by the World Squash Federation.
In summary, SRAM is optimistic about the prospects of their top players and is committed to their development in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics. The inclusion of squash in the Games is a momentous achievement for the sport and its enthusiasts worldwide.