Latest news with #Maniam
The Star
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Maniam continues to shine as he receives honorary membership from WSF
Major (rtd) S. Maniam. —LOW BOON TAT/The Star. PETALING JAYA: From a humble beginning to being honoured by the world body in squash - the journey sums up Major (rtd) S. Maniam's limitless love for the sport over four decades. On Saturday, Maniam was thrilled to receive the honorary membership from the World Squash Federation (WSF) for his tireless service and dedication to promote the game in his different capacities. The 71-year-old has done it all - as a player; a coach of junior and senior groups at home and abroad; sports administrator from the lower to higher levels; and as an advisor. Maniam, who stepped down as Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) national coaching director at the end of last year and took up an advisory role, is honoured over the recognition. "I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the honorary membership from the WSF," said Maniam. "This recognition is not just about me—it reflects the many people, both in Malaysia and around the world, who have walked this journey with me. "I have been fortunate to serve the sport I love for over four decades, from grassroots development to the international stage. Along the way, I've had the privilege of working with passionate individuals, dedicated administrators, and countless young athletes who continue to inspire me. "This award is a reminder of the value of service and the power of sport to unite and uplift. I hope it encourages others to give back to the game and the community that has given us all so much. "I am grateful to WSF, SRAM, the Asian Squash Federation, and all my colleagues and friends who have supported me through the you for being part of this journey," added Maniam. Maniam was among those who fought hard for squash's inclusion in the Olympics for the first time in 2028. On his hopes for the sport in Malaysia, Maniam said: "The dream of all Malaysian squash enthusiasts, not just me, is to get the elusive gold medal in the Olympics through squash for the country. "I also hope to see Malaysian Squash be top four in the world in all categories (senior and junior men and women). "Finally, I also want to see squash becoming a premier racket sport in every state in the country."
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Malaysian squash looks beyond 2028 Olympics after grant boost
The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) has always had successful long-term development plans. That is how the likes of Datuk Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee, and Mohd Azlan Iskandar reached such dizzying heights on the world stage. The tradition continues through S. Sivasangari, the women's world No. 7, and men's world No. 12, Ng Eain Yow. Aifa Azman and Aira Azman are ranked world No. 42 and 21, respectively. All four are in the government's Road to Gold programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Another player, Rachel Arnold, is ranked No. 19. SRAM is now looking beyond 2028 and aims to double or even triple its grassroots base. This follows its selection as one of eight sports chosen by the Youth and Sports Ministry to receive part of an RM20 million grant. The grant is aimed at enhancing training and development for Olympic medal prospects. Besides squash, the other sports are athletics, archery, badminton, cycling, diving, swimming, and taekwondo. 'We have development plans for the elite and back-up players, but we can now ramp up the development of the grassroots thanks to the government grant,' said SRAM advisor, Major (rtd) S. Maniam. He was previously SRAM's director of coaching. 'For 2028, we have already identified the players who will lead our Olympic Games challenge. But we must not rest on our laurels. 'We must look at the 2032 and 2036 Olympic cycles. Now is the time for us to intensify our talent search.' Maniam, who was at the helm when David, Ong, and Azlan came through the ranks, said SRAM hopes to help the state associations by getting more involved in their development. 'With this extra funding, we can help by giving them extra funds, more assistance with coaching, and access to facilities,' said Maniam. 'We are looking at doubling or tripling the number of players at the base. If the base is large, the growth will improve, and we will have a wider pool of players. 'We hope to have young players – aged 13-15 – start producing results in the country and the region. We hope to see them shine in the next four years.' Separately, Maniam said he hopes the national elite players can resume training at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, by the middle of the year. The National Squash Centre, built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, was closed in October 2023 for renovations. Since then, the national players have been training at the National Sports Council Squash Centre in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.
