KUALA LUMPUR: Squash great Nicol David is eager to assist the national team once she retires from competitive squash in June but is not looking to hold any permanent position in the national setup yet.
Nicol, who stated earlier she has many activities lined up after retirement, said she is not able to commit full-time to the national team in the near future.
The eight-time world champion will be working closely with the Professional Squash Association (PSA) to raise awareness of the sport globally in addition to building a support team for professional athletes.
She will also be focusing on the Nicol David Foundation in partnership with PwC, which is aimed at empowering girls through sports while improving their study and soft skills.
“In terms of coaching, I would probably be doing a bit more through my foundation,” said Nicol, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“When it comes to coaching the national team and the national players, I feel that is more of a full-time job as national coach.
“I have many things that I would like to do, so it will be a bit difficult to commit to one thing. It would be tough on the team and unfair to the national squash association as well. But I would love to contribute in some way, perhaps consult the coaches or players. Anytime they need my assistance, for sure I will help.”
Nicol singled out S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow as the most promising among the younger generation of national players.
“We have quite a number of promising players, Malaysians have shown a lot of progress in the British Junior Open and that is very promising,” added Nicol.
“Eain Yow, who is a world junior champion, and Sivasangari, who did well to reach the Asian Games singles final last year, are the ones who have stood out.
“If they are committed, they will definitely go far on the pro tour.”
Nicol added that she will take a short break to travel once she retires before beginning with her post-retirement programmes.