Juniors gain from squash training
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) squash development programme has played a big role in grooming players for the state and country. Since the programme was launched about 20 years ago, several players who had started their squash career under the programme, have earned their stripes and brought glory to the country. For the 2008 season, about 50 new trainees, aged below 10, have signed up for the programme held at the PJ Astaka courts on weekends. Programme co-ordinator Mary Ong said they were pleased to have contributed to the development of squash in the state and country. “The new intake has shown that squash has become a popular sport among children. Parents are also showing a keen interest in sending their children to play squash. This was not the scenario about 10 years ago. Then, we had to look for players.
It’s great!: Trainees in the MBPJ junior squash development programme in a joyous mood.
“Today we have almost 100 children involved in the programme. It could be due to the success of our trainees in the past few years,” said Ong.
Among the players who had gained as trainees in the programme is Ong Beng Hee, who is currently among the top 20 players in the world. The others include Michael Soo, Tricia Chuah, Kelvin Ho and Marcus Yeap. Current national juniors Ivan Yuen, Ng Jo Wen, P.T. Pushppa Devi and Tan Yan Xin are also from the MBPJ junior squash development programme.
Yuen played for Malaysia in the World Junior championships in 2006, while Pushppa Devi was a member of Malaysia’s silver medal winning team in the World Junior championships in Hong Kong last year.
Pushppa Devi also won a bronze medal in the individual event in the Sukma in 2006 in Alor Star.
The MBPJ programme complements the Squash Rackets Association of Selangor (SRAS) development programme. Players who show progress in training are promoted to the SRAS Elite squad.
Ong said the impressive players were exposed to age group competitions – Under-Nine and Under-11 – organised by the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).
“Several of our trainees have already made an impact in the Under-Nine and Under-11 competitions. We hope to see them move up the ladder in the coming years,” added Ong.
Those wishing to enrol their children in the coaching programme can call 017-881 5066.
THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) squash development programme has played a big role in grooming players for the state and country. Since the programme was launched about 20 years ago, several players who had started their squash career under the programme, have earned their stripes and brought glory to the country. For the 2008 season, about 50 new trainees, aged below 10, have signed up for the programme held at the PJ Astaka courts on weekends. Programme co-ordinator Mary Ong said they were pleased to have contributed to the development of squash in the state and country. “The new intake has shown that squash has become a popular sport among children. Parents are also showing a keen interest in sending their children to play squash. This was not the scenario about 10 years ago. Then, we had to look for players.