By Yeap Ming Liong
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/weewernlow
The recent retirement announcement of Squash rep, Low Wee Wern took me by surprise as I expected the former world number 5 to soldier on for a few more years. Nevertheless, her hanging up of her racquet is a loss to the squash fraternity. Over the years I have known the 33-year-old to be someone committed to the game. She was always very dedicated to performing her best, and I can see it in her eyes that she was always hungry for success.
It is regrettable she has been plagued by injuries of late, but I am sure the Penang born athlete has done her best to battle both pain and surgeries in order to get back to top form and bring glory to Malaysia.
As a former sports journalist, my coverage of local sports ensured that I crossed paths with Wee Wern, with whom I have known for close to, if not for a decade now. Over the years, her passion and commitment to squash, shows in her actions. The former China Open champion has never shied away from interview requests, regardless if she was overseas or back home bringing the media coverage for squash to the next level.
Wee Wern, who put in 18 years to the game, has announced that she will switch gears to a coaching career abroad, and I wish her the best and I am sure she will do well.
In the same breath, I would also like to state that I too have left journalism a long time ago, but I am very happy to note that Squash has been included as an Olympic sport in the 2028, Los Angeles edition. Perhaps, it is a little too late for me to cover as I am now a former member of the media fraternity.
However, I am sure Malaysia’s charge in qualifying and potentially competing in the 2028 Olympic Games will be led by the likes of Asian Games champions Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari in their respective categories.
Here is to wishing Malaysian Squash and all of Malaysia’s finest regardless of sporting discipline the very best in their game.
I urge all Malaysians to stand in solidarity with all of our athletes regardless if they have brought home medals or not, as each and every one of them have made Malaysia proud in their own ways.
