KUALA LUMPUR – Is RM5 million insufficient to also include upgrading the courts at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil?
At the moment, this sizeable amount is being spent only on upgrades for its roof, seating areas, and restroom facilities.
The extensive refurbishment, which began in September last year, is being carried out by Zambina Mutiara Sdn Bhd, per the contract listed on the Public Works Department website.
Initially, these renovations were expected to be completed within a year, but adverse weather conditions in the Klang Valley have caused significant delays.
Due to this, the Squash Racquet Association of Malaysia (SRAM) announced that they are now seeking additional budget approval from the Youth and Sports Ministry to further upgrade the entire facility, including the squash courts.
SRAM president Gerard Monteiro expressed the necessity of this upgrade, noting that the last major refurbishment of the venue was 26 years ago during the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
“At the moment, the work is slightly behind, but we are hoping it will be finished by the middle of next year.
“The current renovation involves the roof, air conditioning system, and toilets,” Monteiro said after chairing the SRAM annual general meeting in Bukit Jalil today.
He emphasised the need to keep up with international standards, noting that recent world tournaments in Egypt have introduced glass flooring for squash courts.
“Our courts haven’t been touched since 1998, so we are seeking funding from the ministry and the Malaysia Stadium Corporation.
“The game is evolving rapidly, so we need to keep up with the times and ensure our players remain competitive on the world stage.
“Hence, as we proceed with this renovation, we thought: why not appeal for an additional budget to change and upgrade the courts? We believe it should happen.
“The budget from the Finance Ministry to the Sports Ministry has been allocated for next year, and we should know by around October or November.
“We are optimistic that our appeal will be approved,” Monteiro added.
Currently, most of the national squad’s training sessions are being held at the National Squash Centre in Jalan Duta.
The World Squash Championship Asia Qualifiers held in April were also hosted at this venue.
Simultaneously, SRAM is formulating a long-term programme, focusing not only on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics but also looking ahead to Brisbane 2032.
Malaysia have cemented its status as a regional champion with a recent triumph at the Asia Team Championships in Dalian, China last week.
Additionally, S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow are among the top players on the continent, having clinched gold medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last October.
“We are not only planning for LA 2028, but we are also planning for Brisbane 2032.
“In squash, the ideal age for an athlete to excel is between 27 and 28.
“Today, Sivasangari and Eain Yow are in that age group, and we are aiming for them to peak in 2028.
“Having said that, of course, we are not losing sight of those below, like Aifa Azman, Aira Azman, Ameeshenraj Chandaran, and the younger players.
“We will prepare them for 2028, but more likely they will be ready for 2032,” Monteiro said. – June 22, 2024