SRAM Hopes For Additional Funds In Preparing For 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) hopes the National Sports Council (MSN) would channel an additional 20 to 30 per cent of funding in preparation for major upcoming competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

SRAM President Gerard Monteiro said the additional funds were needed as the national sporting body was now operating on a tight annual budget of approximately RM4 to RM5 million from MSN and the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS). 

“That (additional funds) would really be helpful to us to prepare ourselves properly for the next Olympics and of course Asian Games 2026. And if we get into the Commonwealth 2026 as well,” he said during a press conference at the SRAM office in the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium here today.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibahim when tabling Budget 2025 said the government had allocated RM230 million for the development of sports in the country.

It covers podium programmes, training, and development programmes as well as preparations for para athletes for international events, including the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.

 Meanwhile, Gerard said SRAM would be suggesting that Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi and Yee Xin Ying be considered for the Fast Track programme, under the Road To Gold (RTG) programme. 

He said the proposal would be brought up to the programme committee in the upcoming RTG meeting. 

“So we would like to try to push the promising players Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi and Yee Xin Ying. So we have a bigger pool of talent, more players that we can try to groom over the next four years,” he added. 

The Fast Track programme was formed with the mission of developing new young talented athletes between 16 and 25 with the potential of winning gold medals at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the United States. 

Four national squash players are currently in the programme namely Ng Eain Yow, S. Sivasangari, Aifa Azman and Aira Azman.

On another note , Gerard announced Andrew Cross as the new director of coaching starting Jan 1, taking over the role from long-time stalwart Major (rtd) S. Maniam.

"Cross has played a pivotal role in our coaching framework. His deep understanding of the sport and his experience makes him the ideal person to carry forward the outstanding work that Maniam has done,” he said.

Gerard added that former national player Sharil Shahidan was also named as the new head coach while Pakistan's Ajaz Azmat will take on the vital role of high-performance coach.

-- BERNAMA