Newly-crowned Asian Games double gold medallist S. Sivasangari is over the moon that squash will be at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28 Olympic Games).
She now hopes the sport will be a part of Malaysia’s Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
Launched in March this year, the RTG programme is to help prepare Malaysian athletes for major multisport competitions with the aim of finally winning an Olympic gold medal.
Unlike its predecessors like Road to London, Road to Rio, and Road to Tokyo, RTG, said to be a “top up service” to the existing elite programmes, is for two Olympic cycles – Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.
“I hope squash can be a part of the programme since we have made it to the Olympics. It will be a huge benefit for us in terms of the support system,” said Sivasangari, who won the women’s individual and team gold medals at the just-concluded Hangzhou Asian Games.
“I am delighted squash is finally in the Olympic Games. The squash people have been working hard for many years behind the scenes to make this day happen.
“This is big news for squash players and fans. I am looking forward to getting into the 2028 Olympics.”
After more than 30 years of heartbreak, starting from 1989 when squash lobbied to be a part of the 1992 Olympics, there has been one disappointment after another, until yesterday’s decision by the International Olympic Committee and the Organising Committee of the LA28 Olympic Games to include the sport in the 2028 Games.
Joining squash in Los Angeles are baseball and softball, flag football, cricket (T20), and lacrosse.
Of those sports, squash and flag football have never been a part of the Olympics. Cricket was in the 1900 Games in Paris, but only attracted two teams – France and Great Britain.
For the Los Angeles Games, the IOC approved a shortened version of cricket, with 20 overs per side (T20).
Looking ahead to 2028, Sivasangari knows that it’s a long and hard road to qualification. In the latest world ranking, she is placed 37th.
“I have many things to work on in my game, and I am going to improve on those, as much as I can,” said Sivasangari, who was involved in a horrific road accident last year that nearly ended her career.
“I have five years to qualify for the Olympics. Everyone is aiming for the gold medal. It is the biggest medal in sports.
“For me, I want to focus on the moment. If I keep progressing, I can do well in Los Angeles.”
Sivasangari’s former coach, Ong Beng Hee, now based in the United States, said this was the best news for the sport.
“The athletes are lucky to be able to represent their country at the Olympics,” said Ong, the former world junior champion.
“To represent your country at the Olympics is a huge honour, and I am glad the new generation of players will experience it for the first time.
“Although I am now in the US, I wish the Malaysian team and players all the best. As for me, I hope this news means we get more funding to focus on all levels, from the grassroots to transition, and potential Olympians,” he added.
