Old hands are the new office bearers in SRAM

The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) will be helmed by three former national players.

At their annual general meeting yesterday, former national junior Gerard Monteiro beat incumbent president Nik Razeen Adam Daud for the top spot.

Monteiro will be assisted by Asian Games gold medallists – Azlan Iskandar and Sharon Wee – who were elected as the deputy and vice-president respectively.

Monteiro said he has big shoes to fill and thanked Nik Razeen for his services.

“I believe former athletes should lead their associations as they have gone through the system. I would like to thank the delegates for giving me the opportunity to lead SRAM,” said Monteiro at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.

“We know the government’s finance will be affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic and funding will be tight. I have access to the corporate sector and I hope to get their assistance to uplift squash in the country.”

Former national No.1 Azlan, who failed to get elected for the No. 2 post in 2015, said he feels he has more to offer on his return to the fold.

“We need to take better care of the players. We must ensure their welfare are well taken care of. Another aspect to look into is the coaching structure,” said the 38-year-old who beat Christopher Foo to the post.

Meanwhile, 42-year-old Sharon is looking forward to empowering women in the sport.

“This is the first time we have former elite level players to lead SRAM. And I hope with our experience we can make a difference to the sport,” said Sharon who overcame Linda Geh Guat Yeow.

“We also need to enhance the players’ education and career after squash. SRAM have always delivered as a responsible association and we hope we can elevate the association to a higher level.”