KUALA LUMPUR — The future looks bright for squash after the Asian Games as the young squad is set to continue their excellent performance as other top players in the region are ageing.
Team manager, Mohd Nafzahizam Mohd Adnan told reporters upon arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport today that squash had overachieved in Hangzhou.
He said the target going into the Games was to win two golds, two silvers and one bronze, but the team came home with three golds, one silver and one bronze.
“I am satisfied with our performance as we have a young group of players compared to India. This squad will be at the next Asian Games in Nagoya in 2026, so the future is looking bright for us.
“India’s mixed doubles pair are in their 30s, I don’t think they will be participating in the next edition,” said Nafzahizam.
With the exception of Ivan Yuen (33), Addeen Idrakie (29), most of the Malaysian squad — both men’s and women’s — are in their early to mid-20s.
“India’s singles players like Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa are also in their mid to late 30s, while most of the players from Hong Kong are approaching their 30s, This gives us the opportunity to dominate the next Asian Games” he said.
Even though Malaysia has a young squad, the development of the next generation is ongoing in order to strengthen the future of squash in Malaysia. — October 6, 2023