Empowering Without Expectation Is Key To Success Says Nicol’s Parents

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) — “If you want to give your children something, do so without expectations, as expecting from them becomes a problem,” said Desmond David, the father of Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David, to all parents contemplating to allow their children to pursue sports as a career.

The 77-year-old shared that he and his wife, Ann Marie David, never pressured Nicol to take sports seriously or to become a champion but instead they gave her the freedom to pursue her interest, always reminding her that no one can exceed their personal best.

Reflecting on Nicol’s involvement in sports, he said that Nicol was hyperactive as a child and voluntarily wanted to follow her sister to practice squash at the age of four at a squash venue in Penang.

He said that from that initial trips, Nicol’s love for the sport sparked and she started a rigorous training regime, consisting of five and a half day trainings in a week for four to six hours a day, which she maintained for 20 years, with her coach noting that she never missed a session.

“She was already 19 going up to be 20, more or less (to Amsterdam to further in squash) and most of the time, anybody around that age would go and leave, either for further studies or do something. 

“A lot of people told us. Why did you let Nicol go? Even then family.  And squash is very young at that time. If you get injured, what happens?,” he said to Bernama. 

Meanwhile, Ann Marie said that letting her daughter go to Amsterdam was the best decision she ever made, knowing that sports can’t wait especially since maintaining momentum requires continuous play.

“She was very determined, and naturally through the blessings of God, she made use of the best of it. She was very motivated,” said AnnMarie. 

The Penang-born player who hung up her racquet in June 2019 holds the record for being the player (female) to be ranked number one in the world for 112 months since 2006, the longest period held by anyone in the world. 

Nicol was also eight-time world champion. 

Meanwhile, Nicol emphasized that sports participation not only builds confidence but also helps young girls understand their self-worth.

“They need space to develop confidence in themselves. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t athletes, sports can still help them become stronger in their own fields,” she said.

Nicol also addressed the challenges women faced in sports, particularly the stigma associated with certain sports.

“We hope to see more girls participating in sports. We need to encourage them to try more demanding sports. Some sports carry a stigma, so it’s important to provide a comfortable environment for them.

“Parents should feel supported too. They need to know it’s okay for their daughters to engage in sports,” she added.

— BERNAMA