KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Nicol David believes
that it is fantastic for squash to be making headway in universities and
colleges.
The seven-time world champion was present at a meet-and-greet session with fans at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
The event was organised by the Sharon Wee Squash Pro Academy (SWSP) – headed by retired national player Sharon, and aimed at developing the squash interest at institutes of higher education.
At the event, there was a crowd of about 200 squash supporters from several universities such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Multimedia University.
Nicol, who was given the opportunity to share her success story with the crowd, looked delighted to see and talk to the squash fans.
“It’s really great to see so many university students picking up squash and following the sport,” said Nicol, smiling widely.
“This is exactly what we need in order to develop the sport more and it’s a great show of support, especially with the Olympic decision in 11 days' time.
“Hopefully, there’ll be more support for local universities to promote the game.
“Furthermore, seeing all these young people who are enthusiastic about squash brings back memories of me when I was younger.
“I was on the Penang courts a few days ago and seeing Vanessa (Raj) doing well by winning a gold medal at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) was just wonderful.”
Nicol also thanked the Youth and Sports Ministry for its continued support for squash.
“It has always supported us … me in particular and without the ministry I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today. Hopefully there’ll be continuous support in the future,” said Nicol.
Also present at the session was Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who praised Nicol and Sharon for their efforts in raising awareness and developing squash among the youth in the country.
“This is definitely the best way for squash to gain more popularity … by having proper sports icons take an active role in it,” said Khairy.
“They are icons who are model professionals and we need them because they know and understand what needs to be done in order to develop the sport from the grassroots.
“I am confident that they can set up a good structure for squash and while it may not guarantee immediate success, it will bear results in five to 10 years time,” added Khairy.
SWSP plans to organise squash clinics for university students in every state. It also aims to encourage national juniors to continue playing even if they opt to further their studies.
By KNG ZHENG GUAN - THE STAR
Nicol
David talking to university students at the Sharon Wee Squash Pro
Academy. Also there was Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
The seven-time world champion was present at a meet-and-greet session with fans at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
The event was organised by the Sharon Wee Squash Pro Academy (SWSP) – headed by retired national player Sharon, and aimed at developing the squash interest at institutes of higher education.
At the event, there was a crowd of about 200 squash supporters from several universities such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Multimedia University.
Nicol, who was given the opportunity to share her success story with the crowd, looked delighted to see and talk to the squash fans.
“It’s really great to see so many university students picking up squash and following the sport,” said Nicol, smiling widely.
“This is exactly what we need in order to develop the sport more and it’s a great show of support, especially with the Olympic decision in 11 days' time.
“Hopefully, there’ll be more support for local universities to promote the game.
“Furthermore, seeing all these young people who are enthusiastic about squash brings back memories of me when I was younger.
“I was on the Penang courts a few days ago and seeing Vanessa (Raj) doing well by winning a gold medal at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) was just wonderful.”
Nicol also thanked the Youth and Sports Ministry for its continued support for squash.
“It has always supported us … me in particular and without the ministry I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today. Hopefully there’ll be continuous support in the future,” said Nicol.
Also present at the session was Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who praised Nicol and Sharon for their efforts in raising awareness and developing squash among the youth in the country.
“This is definitely the best way for squash to gain more popularity … by having proper sports icons take an active role in it,” said Khairy.
“They are icons who are model professionals and we need them because they know and understand what needs to be done in order to develop the sport from the grassroots.
“I am confident that they can set up a good structure for squash and while it may not guarantee immediate success, it will bear results in five to 10 years time,” added Khairy.
SWSP plans to organise squash clinics for university students in every state. It also aims to encourage national juniors to continue playing even if they opt to further their studies.
By KNG ZHENG GUAN - THE STAR
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