Squash champion Datuk Nicol Ann David has announced her retirement after playing the sport for more than 2 decades.
The 35-year-old Penangite who won the world champion 8 times will officially put down her racquet at the end of the 2018/2019 Professional Squash Association (PSA) season in June.
David who is considered to be the greatest women’s squash player of all time, announced the news on her social media, stating that she is truly “happy and excited”.
“After more than 20 years playing squash for Malaysia, competing on the professional tour and achieving the utmost best from my career being the only Malaysian athlete to achieve these accolades and to be recognised as the greatest female squash athlete of all time by my peers, I can proudly say that I am ready and happy to announce my retirement at the end of this seasonal tour,” she told The Star.
“This is a moment that every athlete must go through – to explore fully on what more there is in store for them. I am now at this point in my life, ready to take on more beyond the pro tour. This decision has been thought through for quite some time and I do know this is my last season.”
“My mind and body have battled it out to stay at the very top of my game for such a long time that I feel that I only have this last big push left for the final season to give it all I have before I enter the next phase of my life,” she added.
Many friends from the sports and entertainment industry send out their well wishes to the squash queen.
Wow. Well, it's never over, I have no doubt you'll continue doing great things, @NicolDavid ! Congratulations on a playing career that will be admired for ever and ever #bigfan #goat #squash https://t.co/5ByGtHa26b
— Samantha Cornett (@CornettSamantha) February 18, 2019
What can you say about @NicolDavid!? An unbelievable career, taking women’s squash to new heights but more importantly one of the fairest and best people you could meet. Undoubtedly she will go on to even greater things but squash will miss you Nicol! #legend #GOAT #trailblazer
— Emma Charlton (@Emma_Beddoes) February 18, 2019
Thank you for everything, Nicol. Greatest of all time. One of Malaysia’s most outstanding daughters. It was an honour to serve you. https://t.co/8B4hDY2Lr7
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) February 18, 2019
I grew up idolising you,
I am very sure that will not change anytime soon.
Looking forward to your “retirement plan” 😉
Keep on inspiring!#thedreamremains https://t.co/CZ1rxFkYty— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) February 19, 2019
Thank you Datuk Nicol for all that you’ve done for Malaysia! Wishing you the very best for your future endeavors! 💖 https://t.co/zfWOfDCqke
— Neelofa (@Neelofa) February 19, 2019
Most dominant athlete Malaysia has produced. https://t.co/0K7RZGUVUc
— Dr Jason Leong 🇲🇾 (@DrJasonLeong) February 19, 2019
no my love.
thank YOU!! https://t.co/hijSSiSkUs— ADIBAH NOOR 🇲🇾😼 (@adibahnoor) February 19, 2019
Hype Malaysia would also like to wish Nicol David good luck and all the best in your future endeavours!
