THE Squash Rackets Association of Penang (SRAP) is planning a major renovation at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar, according to its president Datuk Linda Geh.
She said while the squash centre, built in 1985, maintains the layout of its building, it needs to undergo some changes, like rewiring, changing the air-conditioning system, replacing flooring and leaking roof, and transforming two obsolete double courts to four single courts with a moveable wall that can be transformed to two double courts.
“We plan to carry out these changes in two phases so that the training sessions are not affected and hopefully able to complete for Penang Malaysia Junior Open in mid-2025.
“The last renovation we did was about 24 years ago before hosting Sukma in 2000 and the World Junior Open and SEA Games in 2021.
“Capacity of the spectator will be expanded from 300 people to 450 people, with the elevation of the current players’ lounge and fixing the leaking roof,” Geh told Buletin Mutiara.
As the renovation is expected to cost RM5 million, she said SRAP has approached the building owner, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), and the Sports Ministry for financial support.
“They are responsive, we are waiting for the consultants to finalise the plan and cost to further discussions,” Geh said.
Geh had the opportunity to speak with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, accompanied by Youth and Sports secretary general Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu and state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, during their visit to the centre which was then holding the 20th PBA Penang (Malaysia) Junior Open in June. The tournament boasted almost a participation of 700 players from 16 countries.
It was at this centre where Nicol David, an eight-time World champion, was nurtured before she went overseas for professional training.
During her visit to Penang in June, Yeoh had the privilege to meet Nicol David’s first coach, Ee Phoeh Hoon.
Several notable players have been produced by SRAP at the centre, including former national players Allan and Aaron Soyza, Khoo Teng Hin, Low Wee Wern, Datuk Seri Lim Tiong Chin, (past president of SRAP), and Gerard Monteiro (president of SRAM).
Geh recalled that the squash centre was originally built by five squash enthusiasts, namely S.T. Oh (Oh Siong Tit), Ow How Tat, Datuk Seri Lim Tiong Chin, Datuk Danny Goon, and Heah Sieu Tee, with a 30-year-old lease from PBAPP.
When it was opened to the public in 1987, the squash centre was named Pepsi Squash Centre due to sponsorship from Antah Group of Companies which controlled Pepsi Malaysia.
Later, the squash centre became known as Penang International Squash Centre before it was renamed Nicol David International Squash Centre by the Penang government.
The centre started with four glass courts, four wall courts, and an open canteen in 1987.
In 2000, it was upgraded to prepare for hosting the 2000 Sukma and the 2001 World Junior Championship. The 2000 Sukma was particularly successful for Penang, which claimed six out of seven gold medals.
After hosting Sukma, SRAP faced a challenge when the international ruling for the width of the doubles court changed from 25 feet to 27 feet. Consequently, SRAP had to convert its two doubles courts into two singles courts.
Currently, SRAP has 12 singles courts. After the renovation, it will have an additional two singles courts, making it a total of 14. The two singles courts can be converted into a movable doubles court.
“Doubles games are getting more popular and are held in the Commonwealth Games. It will be good if we have a movable doubles court,” Geh explained.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irysad Omar