Nicol ‘too old’ to play but hopes to see youngsters on podium

PETALING JAYA: Eight-time world champion Datuk Nicol David is not coming back to play squash now that the sport is in the Olympics.

“Nah, I’m too old, my body can’t take it,” said Nicol.

She will be 45 by the time Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympics.

But the legend is the happiest that squash has been recognised as an Olympic Games sport after many attempts to get it into the programme.

She even said once that she would have traded all her eight world championships titles for a chance to fight for an Olympic gold medal in squash.

Nicol retired in 2019 but even in the final stage of her glorious career she was lobbying hard for the sport to get its due recognition.

“It’s quite emotional to get in after 30 years of bidding for a place in the Olympic Games. All the hard work, blood sweat and tears have finally paid off for our beloved squash,” said Nicol.

“I can’t be happier for all the future generations and champions. We’ve made it.”

It is understandable that the Penang-born was emotional with squash’s long awaited acceptance into the Olympic programme although it was too late for her to attempt a comeback.

“We’ve really stepped up our game in all different aspects and we now really have a product that we can showcase (to the International Olympic Committee),” she said.

“Just to see a squash player from any nation standing on the podium at the Olympic Games is my dream come true,” she said.

For Malaysians who will be vying to be the first medal winner, Nicol has an advice.

“I just hope that our players will keep working hard and focus each year as it comes,” she said.

After losing out at the final vote account on three previous occasions – in London (2012), Rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2020), squash made it through recommendation from the 2028 LA Olympic organising committee.

Asian Games gold medallist S. Sivasangari was equally elated.

“It’s such huge news for the squash players and fans.

“Many have worked really hard for so many years behind the scenes to make this day a reality. It has helped many to realise their dreams, including mine. I’m looking forward to qualifying for the Olympics. For now, I just want to keep improving as player in the coming years, leading up to the Games,” she added.