Retirement will leave a big void in sport

top brass of the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) paid homage to Nicol David who will be retiring in June.

SRAM president Nik Razeen Daud said he was taken aback by Nicol’s move but respected her decision.

“I expected her to continue playing on but of course it is a very personal decision on her part,” said Razeen. “In terms of timing, I believe she has thought about it very deeply before taking such a step.

“She has had an enormous career and has been a huge credit to Malaysia. She has carried the name of the nation to the world. She has definitely made all of us proud.

“Because of her feats, the sport has gained popularity, and we are indebted to her for it. I am sad to hear it (retirement) but perhaps it is time for her to think of a new phase in her career.”

SRAM director of coaching Major (rtd) S. Maniam believes no other player in the current era will be able to break her records in the women’s game.

“I totally agree with this decision, I want to see her retire as a legend. Words alone cannot describe what she has achieved,” said Maniam.

“I do not think anybody among the current breed of players is capable of surpassing her accolades. That player (capable of doing so) has yet to be unearthed.”

Maniam added that Nicol had always been a special player since her junior days.

“I remember when Nicol was still very young, she would always ask me to play with her. She was determined to beat me and eventually did when she was about 14 or 15.

“I remember being with her during both her World Junior Championship wins in Belgium (1999) and Penang (2001), it was a really great feeling for us. I also remember taking her with (former national coach) Richard Glanfield to Liz Irving, and the latter took over from there.

“The rest is history.”