When squash was announced as one of the five new sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, excitement spread across Southeast Asia. The Thailand Squash Racquets Association lined up a series of trials and activities to encourage local participation. At the same time, Malaysia's youth and sports minister, Hannah Yeoh, stated that the country’s national squash team was aiming for its first Olympic gold at the 2028 games.
The highs and lows of Squash in Southeast Asia
This isn’t the first time squash has garnered attention in the region. In the 1970s and 1980s, Singapore produced notable players like Zainal Abidin and Peter Hill before Malaysia took the lead in the mid-1990s. Stars like Dato Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee, and Mohd Azlan Iskander helped Malaysia make its mark internationally. Nicol David held the world’s No. 1 spot for eight years, while Ong and Iskander were ranked among the top 10 male players globally in the 2000s.
Squash's rise also impacted participation. Initially a private sport, squash became more accessible in 1978 with the opening of commercial clubs in Kuala Lumpur, followed by others in the 1980s. Thailand also saw several new courts open across the country in the following years, including the new Arena Sports facility in Hua Hin, The Royal Bangkok Sports Club in Bangkok and other parts of the country.
However, by the late 1990s, the sport faced challenges. Squash lost its permanent spot in the SEA Games, excluded from the 2009, 2011, and 2013 editions. In response, in 2014, national squash federations from Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia met to revive the sport. They formed the Southeast Asian Squash Federation (SEASF) to advocate for the sport’s inclusion in major events.
Since then, squash has seen active promotion through tournaments, junior programs, and coaching courses. The SEA Cup Squash Championship, held annually, is now a staple for squash fans in the region. To promote the sport, the Thailand Squash Federation, for example, sends teams to different competitions, such as the 9th Southeast Asian Cup 2024.
What is happening in Southeast Asia today
Malaysia continues to dominate squash, defeating teams like Pakistan and Hong Kong and collecting 31 medals from seven editions of the Asian Games. While no longer at its peak, Singapore recently claimed its first SEA Games squash gold in 20 years.
Former stars like Ong Beng Hee and Nicol David continue to shape the sport. Ong, a four-time Asian champion, has coached the Malaysian team for several years, while Nicol David runs a foundation that supports underprivileged families in Kuala Lumpur with squash training programs.
At the grassroots level, national federations in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are fostering talent through age-group competitions and events like the Southeast Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship in Bangkok, which saw its participation double from the previous year.
Programs like Malaysia’s National Junior Development Programme have been critical in identifying young talent and preparing them for the global stage through exposure to tournaments like the WSF World Junior Team Championships.
Challenges facing competitive squash
The quality of squash infrastructure varies widely across Southeast Asia. Countries like Malaysia and Singapore have well-equipped facilities, such as the 1,000-capacity National Squash Centre in Kuala Lumpur. These venues serve as both competition grounds and training hubs for national athletes. On the other hand, squash courts in countries like the Philippines often lack the necessary amenities for high-level training, limiting the development of local players.
Funding and sponsorship are major hurdles for the sport. Badminton and football dominate the sponsorship landscape, leaving squash with limited financial backing. Without adequate funding, organizing tournaments, hiring coaches, and supporting athletes becomes challenging, impacting the development of the sport and its young prospects.
Squash also faces tough competition from culturally dominant sports like badminton and football, which receive far more attention, funding, and media coverage. In comparison, squash remains a niche sport.
On the global stage, Southeast Asian squash players face challenges in competing with international standards. Bridging this gap requires more exposure to global tournaments and access to high-quality coaching.
Hosting regional tournaments like the Malaysian Open and the Singapore Open is crucial for raising the sport’s profile and giving local athletes opportunities to develop and compete at different levels of competitive play. These events also help generate excitement around the sport, fostering more interest and participation.
Digital platforms present a powerful tool for promoting squash to a wider audience. Social media, streaming services, and interactive content provide opportunities to showcase exciting moments and engage younger fans. A viral video of a thrilling squash match could draw significant attention to the sport and build a fanbase.
By leveraging digital media, squash in Southeast Asia can gain greater visibility and inspire the next generation of players. Social media campaigns, athlete profiles, and livestreaming events can create a more engaged and supportive community.
Squash in Southeast Asia is undergoing a revival driven by national programs, international exposure, and the region’s rich history with the sport. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and the need to enhance global competitiveness still persist. The potential for growth is evident. By nurturing interest in sqaush through schools, investing in modern facilities, and leveraging digital media, Southeast Asia can build a stronger squash ecosystem. Governments, sports federations, and private sponsors must work together to support the sport’s development and help athletes reach their full potential on the global stage.
Who Thanit Apipatana is
Thanit Apipatana is a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor with a keen interest in venture building, real estate, F&B, sports and philanthropy. Mr. Apipatana has advised and invested in companies in the region, including Singapore-based proptech startup Mogul.sg and Thai-based Life Below Labs. As a thought leader, Mr. Apipatana shares his insights on entrepreneurship, F&B, education, sports and the social sector.
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