Penang has pool of successors to Nicol David

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has a good pool of younger talent to emulate the success of national squash darling Datuk Nicol David.
Junior head coach Aaron Soyza said the likes of Nur Aliah Izzati Muhd Anis, 17 and Ishant Shah, 15 are among the best in the country and Asia that can replace Nicol in the future.
"We have a good pool of younger talent in squash, we are looking at them to emulate Nicol at world stage in the near future.
"Currently they are (Nur Aliah & Ishant) among the best in the country and also Asia," he told theSun.
Aaron who also coached Low Wee Wern, said the Penang Squash Academy had an extensive programme for the players since 2013 to produce good squash talents for Penang and also the country.
He described the academy as the state talent producing centre where all great player such as Nicol were discovered.
"It is the same programme and setup that has produced good squash players such as Low Wee Wern, Ong Beng Hee and also Nicol", he said.
Earlier during a press conference, state exco for youth and sports Chong Eng announced that the Squash Racket Association of Penang (SRAP) will be organising the PBA 5th Penang (Malaysian) International Squash Championship.
The competition will be held at the Nicol David International Squash Centre (NDISC) in Bukit Dumbar from June 30 to July 5.
"This is an international standard event that is recognised and sanctioned by SRAP, Asian Squash Federation (ASF) and also the World Squash Federation (WSF).
"The state government, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Penang Sport Council (MSNPP) will support the event as well", she said.
Chong Eng also thank Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) , who are the main sponsor for the tournament.
The tournament will involve 10 categories from 5 age groups that will consist local and foreign players from Asia, Europe and Oceania.