Nicol David may have retired from professional squash but her heart is still very much attached to the sport and Malaysia.
It is through her attachment to the sport that the eight-time world champion decided to launch her retirement campaign — The Dream Remains.
Part of the campaign includes the exhibition tournament at National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil yesterday, which featured four top-level players in England’s World No 8 Sarah-Jane Perry, Belgium’s World No 22 Tinne Gilis, Canada’s World No 29 Hollie Naughton and national No 1 Low Wee Wern.
But that is far from it as the Penang-born believes she still has a lot to give back to the country that has supported her glittering career.
“The retirement life has been great, and I’m enjoying every bit of it,” said Nicol.
“I took some time off and traveled for a bit but I knew I had to get back into the sport.
“This ‘The Dream Remains’ event is something that I shared with the National Sports Council (NSC). It is an initiative to give back to our players.
“I’m also doing inspirational speeches, some writing and also working on my foundation. I am also running squash camps in Malaysia and abroad.
“And I’m really happy to have the chance to play in front of the Malaysian fans once again. These are fans who have supported me in my career and it’s amazing to see them show up.”
Nicol is also keeping tabs with the successes of the national players and believes there are ways for her to give them a boost.
“I still follow our national players. It’s good to see (Ng) Eain Yow pushing through on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour,” said Nicol.
“It’s also nice to see S. Sivasangari doing well despite studying in the United States. The players were also amazing at the recent Sea Games.
“They are definitely pushing hard to raise their level on the tour. It’s going to take time, but they will get there eventually.
“I think there are a lot more ways I can give back to Malaysian squash. I’m actually in talks to see how I can work together with the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).
“It won’t be on a full-time basis. Maybe more on a training camp basis, although that’s still in discussion,” added Nicol.
Meanwhile, Sarah-Jane won the exhibition event by beating Wee Wern 11-13, 11-5, 11-6 while Naughton finished third after overcoming Gilis 14-16, 11-7, 11-3.
Nicol defeated national junior Shamiel Haeyzad 11-9 in an exhibition match.