Malaysian squash gets timely boost with duo in Podium Programme

PETALING JAYA: The inclusion of up and coming squash players Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari in the Podium Programme is certainly a timely boost for the sport.

Eain Yow, 19, and Sivasangari, 18, were both among the 32 new inclusions in the list released by the National Sports Institute (NSI) on Thursday.

With Delia Arnold dropping out of the programme after retiring last month, national No. 3 Sivasangari’s inclusion is a bid to fasttrack her in order to prepare for the 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games.

The other women players in the programme are world No. 7 Nicol David and Low Wee Wern.

As for Eain Yow, who is also the men’s national No. 3, he will join Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan and Ivan Yuen in the programme as the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) look to strengthen the men’s squad.

“The Podium Programme has reevaluated their criteria for including younger players and we really appreciate the inclusion of both Eain Yow and Sivasangari,” said SRAM director Mejar (Rtd) S. Maniam.

“It’s a message that our development programme is being recognised and it will also serve as motivation for the other players to work harder as well.

“It’s a good omen for the association as well and I’m sure the players will appreciate it too.

“As for Eain Yow and Sivasangari, they have shown they deserved to be in the programme but this is only the first step for them.

“We cannot expect immediate results. But I would like to see their transition from a junior player to a sucessful player on the senior stage.

“There are several factors – the pace of the game, the determination to win and the ability to sustain the pressure for long periods.

“It’ll be a long journey for them but we’ll patiently work with them and help them step up in the mould of Nicol,” added Maniam.

For starters, Eain Yow will first compete in the Wimbledon Club Squash Squared Open in London from March 1217 while Sivasangari is down to compete in the Texas Open from Feb 28March 5.