SRAM seeks bigger Budget 2027 allocation to build next generation after Asiad success

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must strengthen its squash development pathway and nurture a new generation of players ahead of the 2031 Asian Games and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, says the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).

SRAM president Gerard Monteiro said the association must place greater emphasis on identifying and developing promising juniors and younger players who can progress to the senior level over the next five to six years.

Speaking to Scoop, Monteiro said preparations must begin now to ensure Malaysia has enough talent ready to compete at the highest level when the two major events arrive.

“We have to look at the players coming through the ranks, the development players and the juniors. We need to make sure that they are nurtured and ready for the next Asian Games,” he said.

Monteiro stressed that SRAM’s long-term plans extend beyond a single competition, with the association aiming to establish a sustainable talent pipeline that can support Malaysia through the next Olympic cycle.

“It is not just about the Olympics. We are looking at the 2031 Asian Games and the 2032 Olympics, so we have to start preparing now,” he said.

He said young players needed sufficient time, exposure and support to develop into international-level competitors, adding that waiting until the years immediately before the tournaments would leave too little time to prepare them.

“You cannot wait until 2030 or 2031 and then expect them to be ready. We have to develop them now and give them the right exposure,” he said.

Monteiro said building a deeper pool of players would also help Malaysia avoid relying too heavily on its current crop of established stars and ensure there are capable replacements as the older generation moves on.

“We need to make sure there are players coming through all the time. That is how you sustain the sport,” he said.

He added that SRAM would continue strengthening its development structure to ensure promising players receive the coaching, competitive opportunities and support needed to progress through the ranks.

With the 2031 Asian Games and Brisbane 2032 Olympics providing clear long-term targets, the association is looking to lay the groundwork now for the next generation to take over from Malaysia’s established players.

For Monteiro, the challenge is not simply to maintain the country’s current standing in squash, but to ensure its success can be sustained by developing players capable of competing on the international stage for years to come. – October 9, 2026

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