KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) will focus on strengthening the preparations of national squash players in their mission to hunt for a gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28).

Its new president, Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, said squash’s historic debut at the Olympic Games opens up a huge opportunity for Malaysia to make history at the prestigious sporting event.

He stated that SRAM’s new leadership will ensure that all needs, including support for the players, are given close attention to help them achieve their best performance ahead of LA28.

“I think the important thing now is the road to Olympics because squash for the first time is an Olympic sport. So, we have the opportunity to get a medal.

“So, I will combine a movement to really focus on the road to gold,” he told members of the media when met after SRAM’s 54th Annual General Meeting at the Malaysian Badminton Academy here today.

Earlier, Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin won uncontested for the presidency during the national governing body’s elections.

Also winning uncontested were former national squash player Azlan Iskandar for the deputy president post, Sharon Wee (vice-president), and Ramlee Abdullah (honorary treasurer).

Meanwhile, Nik Razeen Adam Daud was appointed as honorary secretary by the president, while Margaret Kechendai, Wan Sazril Wan Zaid, and Conrad Louis were elected as SRAM ordinary committee members.

Commenting on the pressure facing national squash, which is seen as one of the medal prospects for LA28, Tunku Zain acknowledged that there are high expectations on national players to realize that dream.

However, he said SRAM’s leadership responsibility is to ensure the athletes’ journey towards the games is facilitated through the provision of an effective support system.

“I think the pressure is on the players, not me. But as committee members, we will, of course, want to facilitate that journey so that they really can reach that dream because it’s a dream not just for squash players, but for all Malaysians,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tunku Zain said he does not plan to make major changes to SRAM’s existing structure, but rather wants to continue the successes and efforts implemented by the previous leadership.

He said squash has proven its position as one of Malaysia’s most successful sports based on its achievements in medals and championships at the international level.

At the same time, he wants to strengthen cooperation with state squash associations to ensure that the development of new talent continues and the country does not run out of quality players in the future.

According to him, building a broad participation base at the grassroots level is important to ensure that the continuity of national squash excellence does not halt when top players end their respective careers.

“If we see, there are other sports that might have been at the elite level at one time. But if there is no pipeline, we lose that continuity.

“So, insya-Allah, that’s what I want to focus on — cooperation with the state level so that the national level always has talent,” he said. — Bernama