EVEN with a record eight world titles under her belt, the now-retired squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David still has some unfinished business in the sport.
She has expressed her aspiration for the country to become a powerhouse in squash.
“I want to turn Malaysia into a powerhouse in squash.
“I’ll be conducting coaching clinics at various places in the country to help the juniors.
“There will be collaborations with the Youth and Sports Ministry to inspire more women to take up the sport.
“I’ll share my experience and conduct motivational and engagement talks, ” she said recently.
Nicol, 36, retired in June as the greatest female player of all time, winning 81 PSA titles and holding the world No 1 spot for 109 consecutive months from 2006-2015.
“It has been an amazing journey as squash has taught me a lot over the last 30 years.
“My plan for 2020 is to give back to the community, ” she said.
Asked if she would set up a squash academy, Nicol said there were no plans for a localised facility for now.
“I’ll conduct coaching clinics through the Nicol David Foundation as it enables better reach and mobility for the players.
“The foundation was set up to promote sports as a vehicle to empower disadvantaged children, ” she said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and juniors from the Penang Squash Academy turned up to pay tribute to Nicol in a meet-and-greet session at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar in George Town.
Nicol also shared her success stories, including her first world title won in Hong Kong in 2005 when she was 22 and how she was able to maintain at the top for almost a decade.
Also present were Penang women, family development and gender inclusiveness committee chairman Chong Eng and Penang Squash Association vice-chairman Linda Geh.