Sivasangari expected to return to action in January

KUALA LUMPUR – National women’s squash player S. Sivasangari is expected to be back in action in January next year, based on her improving health condition after suffering head injuries in a road crash two months ago.

Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam said the 23-year-old Kedahan is currently receiving regular treatment at the National Sports Institute (NSI) to ensure that she is at the best level to return to competitive action.

“As of now, her injured cheekbone, eyebrow and head are healed except for the back of her neck, namely the C1-cervical that still requires rehabilitation from NSI.

“I see her very regularly as I visit her during gym training or she would drop by in my office... She is in high spirits and hopes to recover very soon,” he said when contacted.

The world number 16 sustained head injuries in an accident at the Maju Expressway at 3.46am on June 26.

She was a passenger of a Proton Saga BLM that was 90% razed after colliding with a one-tonne lorry, before skidding and catching fire.

Meanwhile, he said the success of the national junior squad in bringing home the Men’s World Junior Team Championship bronze medal, after a 16-year drought, from Nancy, France is a proud moment for the association and the nation.

The last time Malaysia won a medal, a bronze, in the world meet was back in the 2006 edition in New Zealand.

“This has been an excellent result for us as all the boys that we selected played really well and I am pleased with the result. With this victory, it is proven that we will not lack senior players, however, they need at least two to three years to improve and reach a certain level,” he said.

Moving forward, Maniam said the medallists, Joachim Chuah, C. Ameeshenraj and Andrik Lim will focus on representing their respective states in the 20th Malaysian Games before both Ameeshenraj and Andrik start representing the senior team this October.

Malaysia shared the bronze with Pakistan after losing 2-1 to England in the semi-finals, while England downed top seeds and defending champions Egypt 2-1 to end a 22-year title drought. – Bernama, August 23, 2022