National squash sensation S. Sivasangari has made history by becoming the first Malaysian squash player to be inducted into the prestigious Road to Gold (RTG) program. This milestone marks a significant step in Malaysia’s pursuit of Olympic glory, as the country sets its sights on a breakthrough medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).
Joining Sivasangari in the Road to Gold (RTG) program are eight national badminton players — Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong, Tee Kai Wun, Pearly Tan, M. Thinaah, Cheng Tang Jie, and Toh Ee Wei. They are accompanied by weightlifter Mohd Aniq Kasdan and track cyclists Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, all of whom have committed to the program in a united effort to pursue Olympic success.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in announcing the latest RTG lineup yesterday, revealed that four professional badminton players — Goh Soon Huat, Shevon Lai Jemie, Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani, and Goh Sze Fei — have yet to confirm their participation in the program.
“These players have already engaged in discussions with RTG coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalinggam,” she said during a press conference at Menara KBS. However, a final meeting is needed to address and align on the concerns they previously raised,” she said.
Hannah also announced that the national women’s recurve archery team — Ariana Nur Dania Mohamad Zairi, Syaqiera Mashayikh, and Nurul Azreena Fazil — along with squash player Ng Eain Yow, have agreed to be part of the Fast Track RTG programme. She added that she also held discussions earlier today with the sports associations representing the athletes involved in the RTG initiative.
Meanwhile, Sivasangari expressed her optimism that the RTG programme would play a key role in enhancing her performance as she works toward qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
She noted that the support from the programme would help lighten her financial load, especially as she is currently training abroad.
“Being part of this programme is crucial for me because it offers financial assistance, which is especially helpful given that I’m based overseas and focused on Olympic preparation,” she said.
“All of us are striving for the Olympics, and being included in this programme gives us a significant edge by providing exactly the support we need,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sivasangari expressed her optimism that the RTG programme would play a key role in enhancing her performance as she works toward qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She noted that the support from the programme would help lighten her financial load, especially as she is currently training abroad.
“Being part of this programme is crucial for me because it offers financial assistance, which is especially helpful given that I’m based overseas and focused on Olympic preparation,” she said.
“All of us are striving for the Olympics, and being included in this programme gives us a significant edge by providing exactly the support we need,” she added.
With growing support and strategic backing from the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, Malaysia is taking decisive steps toward realising its long-standing dream of securing an Olympic medal. The inclusion of top national athletes like S. Sivasangari, alongside rising stars from badminton, archery, weightlifting, cycling, and squash, reflects a united and focused effort to raise the country’s competitive edge on the world stage.
Source: Malay Mail, Harian Metro
