A ‘better birthday present’ for Ainaa

NOOR Ainaa Amani Ampandi finally has some reason to feel positive for her birthday this year.

The Kuala Lumpur-born turned 19 on March 18 with the news that the national squash players will be able to rejoin the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour.

It was in stark contrast to her 18th birthday last year as it was the day Malaysia started its first Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And 12 months later, Ainaa, who helped Malaysia to a silver medal at the 2019 World Junior Team Championships, has only played in one competition since — the National Championships in October.

Having seen her career stalled by the Covid-19 situation, Ainaa is eager to get back onto the playing field, starting with the SRAM

PSA 1 event on April 9-12.

“It’s definitely a better birthday this year because last year it was the first day of MCO, and everything just went downhill from there,” said the World No 176.

“It has been a frustrating past 12 months, especially when I see other players from my age-group already competing in PSA events.

“It was made worse having to miss the World Junior Championships, the Asian Junior Championships and the British Junior Open in my last year as a junior.

“But I just told myself to keep focusing on my long-term goals to cope with this frustration.

“Squash is still my passion, and I can’t give up just like that. I definitely still want to break into the top 50 by the end of next year.

“After a year without PSA tournaments, it is time for me to give it my best on court.

“I’m not expecting too much, but I’ve been working hard the past few months to put up my best performance when the time comes.”

Ainaa, seeded eighth, has a first-round bye in the SRAM meet and meets either Aira Azman or Teoh Liyen in the second round.

Ainaa, who is already in the national training camp, added it was nice to celebrate her birthday with teammates.

The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) threw a mini celebration for her and national head coach Ajaz Azmat, whose birthday also fell on March 18.

“It was just a small celebration in Bukit Jalil. It was nice to spend it with teammates,” Ainaa added.