A RECORD seven World Open titles, four British Open triumphs, seven Malaysian Open titles and undisputed world No 1 woman squash player.
That’s the proud achievement of squash champ Datuk Nicol David.
Nicol was recently presented with RM100,000 for winning her seventh World Open title in December 2012.
The award, which came from the state government and Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP), was presented on April 1 by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“It’s very hard to be a champion but it’s even harder to remain a champion and Nicol has done it by winning seven times,” Lim, who is also PBAPP chairman, said at a press conference.
Nicol thanked Lim for arranging the get-together and honouring her on her achievement.
“It’s been such a journey and I can’t thank the state enough for the help throughout the years, not just when I became No 1 but ever since I was a junior and growing up in Penang as a student,” she said.
“I am looking forward to seeing more progress in sports, especially squash, in the future with the support from the Chief Minister and the state government,” Nicol added.
Penang and PBAPP are fully committed to continuously support the world standard achievements by the state’s sportsmen, particularly in squash.
PBAPP has been involved in the development of the sport since 1987 with the building of the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar.
PBAPP is also giving its full support to the World Squash Federation’s bid to include the sport in the 2020 Olympics. -EJ-