KUALA LUMPUR – Did you know that the Malaysian women’s squash team that clinched gold at the 2024 Asian Team Squash Championships was the same squad that triumphed at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games?
Adding another interesting fact, Rachel Arnold, who lost to Tong Tsz-wing at the Asian Games, decisively turned the tables this year at the Asian Team Championships by defeating the same opponent.
The Malaysian women’s team once again asserted their dominance by overcoming Hong Kong in both tournaments, cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in Asian squash.
During the Asian Games, Malaysia secured victory over Hong Kong with a 2-1 score — Rachel battled hard against Tsz-wing, eventually losing 7-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6.
However, Sivasangari Subramaniam and Aifa Azman delivered crucial wins to ensure Malaysia’s triumph.
At the team event two days ago, featuring the same star players, Malaysia rose to the occasion once more.
Sivasangari staged an impressive comeback against Ho Tze-lok (10-12, 13-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8), while Rachel avenged her earlier loss to Tsz-wing with a commanding 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 victory.
In the men’s final, Malaysia made strategic changes to their line-up against Hong Kong.
Ng Eain Yow led the charge with a commanding win over Lau Tsz-kwan, securing a straight-sets victory (11-7, 11-8, 11-8) in just 37min.
Despite a setback when Addeen Idrakie Bakhtiar fell to Henry Leung (11-4, 7-11, 2-11, 7-11), the decision to field 20-year-old Ameeshenraj Chandaran paid off as he clinched a hard-fought win over Tang Ming-hong (8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-4) after an intense 58min battle, sealing Malaysia’s victory.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) vice president Sharon Wee credited this triumph to the exceptional leadership and confidence of captains Eain Yow and Sivasangari.
She emphasised their role in inspiring both senior and junior players to excel.
“We won both championships in 2021 but fell short in the previous edition. This time, the difference was the leadership and confidence of our key players.”
She also highlighted that Sivasangari is currently in the top 10, while Eain Yow has recently broken into the top 15 globally.
“Eain Yow and Sivasangari, both ranked among the best in the world, have shown exceptional form.
“Their leadership has been instrumental in inspiring both our senior and junior players to perform their best,” she said when contacted.
This double victory not only underscores Malaysia’s current dominance in Asian squash but also sets a positive tone for their preparations for the LA Olympics 2028.
As the team anticipates the upcoming Asian Doubles in Johor and the World Women’s Team Championship in December, their recent successes serve as a testament to their hard work, resilience, and outstanding teamwork. – June 18, 2024