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Taking a bigger role — Nicol David steps up in Malaysia’s Olympic gold quest | Scoop
With squash added to the 2028 LA Olympics, Nicol is expected to take on a more active role in the Road to Gold programme. — Scoop file pic, April 8, 2025
Sports

Taking a bigger role — Nicol David steps up in Malaysia’s Olympic gold quest

Squash legend to have greater involvement in Road to Gold programme after sport’s inclusion for LA

Main Author Image
Fabian Peter
Updated
2:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol David is set to play a more prominent role in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, following the inclusion of squash in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

While Nicol was already involved in the RTG initiative for the 2024 Paris Olympics, squash had not yet been added to the Olympic roster. Previously, she was also the deputy Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Malaysian contingent heading to Paris.

RTG, a supplementary programme to the existing Podium Programme, was launched in 2023 by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. 

It is designed to support Malaysia’s elite athletes in their quest for the nation’s elusive first Olympic gold medal. 

The initiative offers comprehensive backing in areas such as training, facilities, rehabilitation, and technical support.

“The committee is expected to meet next week to finalise everything,” said another national sports icon, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who, like Nicol, is a member of the RTG committee.

“I don’t think the programme will change too much, but I believe Nicol will take on a more hands-on role now that squash is an Olympic sport. She’s likely to focus more on overseeing the programme in the lead-up to LA 2028,” he added.

Alongside Nicol and Chong Wei, former national hockey captain Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi will also continue serving as a mentor under the RTG initiative.

Programme coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said the recently streamlined committee—announced by Hannah—would place greater emphasis on delivering results over the next three and a half years, with the structure and time needed to work more closely with both athletes and coaches.

“The first meeting will set the ball rolling and get the necessary processes underway,” said Stuart.

Currently, eligibility for the RTG programme is limited to athletes ranked in the world’s top 10 in their respective sports, or those who have previously medalled at the Olympics. 

In addition to the extensive support provided, athletes under the programme also receive a monthly allowance of RM3,000. — April 8, 2025

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