KAJANG, July 10 — Early preparations for the national squash squad to face the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) are underway as part of Malaysia’s goal for the sport’s first Olympic gold, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She said the squad must be thoroughly prepared as Malaysia have set sights on the first gold in squash when the sport makes its debut in LA28.
“We are holding discussions with squash groups on the kind of top-up services they require, whether for local or overseas training.
“We are also talking with the SRAM (Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia) to ensure it starts preparations. We all want to bring back the first Olympic gold for squash,” she said.
She told reporters this after attending the Kuala Lumpur edition of the Yellow Ribbon Project at Kajang Women’s Prison here today.
Four squash players are under the Road To Gold (RTG)-Fast Track programme — Ng Eain Yow, S. Sivasangari, Aifa Azman and Aira Azman.
Apart from the squash players, young divers Bertrand Rhodict Lises and Enrique Maccartney Harold are also in the RTG-Fast Track programme.
Asked about the safety of the Malaysian contingent at the Paris Olympics amid political uncertainty in France, Hannah assured that the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) would prioritise their safety.
She said KBS has made preparations and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) is always in contact with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the latest developments in Paris.
“The safety of our athletes and contingent, including support staff, is our priority.
“We are always getting updates from OCM and IOC. We have made preparations and been briefed on the matter. We hope everything will go well,” she said.
— Bernama
