KUALA LUMPUR – Pumpa Squash Academy is on a mission to change the landscape of the national squash scene by making the sport accessible to children from the B40 income group.
Founded in 2019 by former national squash player Pushppa Devi Paramasewa, the academy located in Subang Jaya currently boasts over 150 students.
While other private academies charge exorbitant fees ranging from RM350 to RM500 per student for tutoring, Pushppa, who was also the former female national coach at the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, charges a reasonable price ranging from RM150 to RM180 for her students.
Speaking to Scoop, Pushppa emphasised that children from all walks of life should have the privilege of playing the sport, citing squash as a great platform for children from the B40 income group to elevate their lives.
“I established this academy after finishing my career and initially named it after myself. However, I noticed participation was limited to one race, so I changed the name to encourage diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to play, and our student participation has increased over the years.
“My vision for this academy is to ensure that everyone can play squash without experiencing any bias or favouritism. I want squash to be accessible to everyone, removing the perception that it is an expensive sport.
“Everyone, including those from the B40 group, deserves the chance to play and reach higher levels. Every child should have the opportunity to excel and not be deprived due to a lack of privilege.
“I believe that anyone can succeed in this sport, and their development should not stop at the age of 13 or 14,” said Pushppa during the visit of the Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, at the 3K Sports Complex in Subang Jaya on Sunday.
The former national number five also said that she aims to develop more state, national, and international level players through her academy in the years to come.
“I have dreams, and of course, I want to see all my players succeed in this beautiful game, especially those from the B40 group. If I can do it, my students can succeed as well, and I will ensure I guide them to reach the top of their game.
“Since we started, we have seen a lot of progress, with many of our young players competing at the top level. My long-term goal is to groom them and help them become better.
“In our academy, we also ensure that the children focus on their studies and balance their time well, as education is equally important for them.
“We help them achieve success step by step, and we have also been working hard to secure scholarships for our students for both their education and squash over the years,” Pushppa added.
Pushppa, who played for Malaysia between 2001 and 2015, was once ranked number 68 in the world.
The 35-year-old boasts a total of 11 titles under her belt in her 14-year career and was awarded the Selangor Most Promising Sportswoman and National Most Promising Young Sportswoman awards in 2001 and 2002. – July 3, 2024