Nicol David’s Olympic dream lives on through two Malaysians

Nicol David, the eight-time world squash champion and former world No 1, witnessed two Malaysian players achieve a historic milestone at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Ng Eain Yow and S Sivasangari became the first Malaysian squash players to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, fulfilling Nicol's long-held dream. Both players had to earn their spots, having claimed Asian Games gold medals in the past.

Their victories contributed to Malaysia's fifth and sixth gold medals at the Games, meeting their original target. Sivasangari's achievement was particularly significant, as she had overcome serious neck and spinal injuries years earlier, raising questions about her future in the sport. Eain Yow expressed his ambition to become the world's top-ranked player and win an Olympic gold medal, while Sivasangari stated that securing an Olympic qualification was a dream come true for her, but she wanted to keep improving her skills.

The team victories also highlighted the importance of shared memories and the satisfaction of overcoming past disappointments in sports. The success of the Malaysian squash team in Nagoya goes beyond just the medals, as Olympic inclusion will provide the sport with a wider platform to attract young players and receive better funding and facilities.