LETTERS: Malaysians recently exulted in patriotic pride at the heart-stopping victory of Sivasangari Subramaniam in the London Classic Squash Championship.
Ranked No. 13 in the world, Sivasangari defeated world No. 1 Noor El Sherbini of Egypt, world No. 4 Nele Gilis of Belgium and world No. 2 Hana El Hammamy of Egypt in the gold level final, prevailing in 81 minutes with scores of 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 12-14 and 11-8.
Her victory is glory for Malaysia, her family, university, coaches and trainers. And certainly, her sponsors. This win will pave the way for better sponsorships, especially for gifted athletes.
A rigorous national grassroots development system can help identify, target and train the stars of tomorrow. Thus, adequate funding should be allocated to support our elite sporting talent in sponsorship, education and jobs, as well as to enhance their skills and abilities.
This requires a better reward system and incentives that recognises and acknowledges their achievements.
Focus should be given to Ng Eain Yow, Ameeshenraj Chandaran and a team of young talent at the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia.
Others include diver Bertrand Rhodict, badminton pairs Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, junior pairs Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King, cyclist Shah Firdaus Sahrom and athletes Muhd Azeem Fahmi and Shereen Samson Vallabouy.
With the right investment and training, they can be stars at the Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
C. SATHASIVAM SITHERAVELLU
Former national athlete, Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times