October 30, 2009
Malaysian Government Sets up Arena in Nicol David’s Name
The Malaysian government is honoring one of its most successful athletes, Datuk Nicol Ann David, by naming the main court at the National Squash Center located at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil after her.
David has been the national squash topnotcher who’s currently the world number one in the women’s circuit. The Malaysian squash queen can certainly play with the squash racquet as evidenced by her non-stop reign atop the women’s circuit since 2006.
The 26-year old could hardly contain her emotions as Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek officially announced during a ceremony that the court is now officially known as the “Nicol David Arena.”
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, National Squash Center director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong, and David’s parents.
Shabery said that before naming the court under David’s name, the proposal had to go through the Cabinet. Fortunately, the proposal did not meet much opposition as David’s achievement in squash for such a young age is unprecedented.
He added that this will certainly boost the morale of aspiring players because the government aims to honor those who achieve a lot in their respective sports.
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