Sivasangari Subramaniam Awarded April 2024 Athlete of the Month by World Games

Sivasangari Subramaniam, one of Malaysia’s top squash athletes, has been named the April 2024 Athlete of the Month by the World Games organization. This prestigious international acclaim is earned by both the perseverance of the young athlete as well as her exceptional skill in the sport. On April 1st, the Malaysian athlete clinched victory at the esteemed GillenMarkets London Squash Classic held at Alexandra Palace, achieving a remarkable feat by defeating formidable opponents including World No. 1 Nour El Sherbini (EGY) in the quarter-final, World No. 4 Nele Gilis (BEL) in the semi-final, and ultimately triumphing over World No. 2 Hania El Hammamy (EGY) in the final.

25-year-old Sivasangari, hailing from Kedah and currently residing and training at Cornell University in the USA, stunned the squash world by defeating the reigning world number 1, Nour El Sherbini, in the quarterfinals in London. Reflecting on this remarkable feat, Sivasangari expressed, “It was quite crazy to realise that I had beaten the world number one. To actually do it was something that made me very proud of myself.”

Image Source Sivasangari Subramaniam’s Instagram

Sivasangari’s journey to this triumphant moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just two years ago, in 2022, she faced a life-threatening car crash near Kuala Lumpur, which resulted in severe injuries to her head, spine, and neck. Doctors feared she might never walk again. However, Sivasangari defied the odds, undergoing intensive rehabilitation and pushing herself beyond limits to return to the sport she loves.

“It was very tough, but I was willing to push myself beyond limits to play this sport again,” Sivasangari shared. “I tried to stay as positive as I could during those times and reminded myself that everything happens for a reason. I also had the support of my loved ones around me, who constantly lifted me up whenever I was in doubt that I could ever make a comeback.”

Her resilience and determination culminated in a historic victory, making her the April 2024 Athlete of the Month. Sivasangari’s return to the competitive stage from a hospital bed serves as a reflection of her indomitable spirit.

Despite the challenges she faced, Sivasangari emerged stronger, becoming the first Malaysian squash player since Nicol David to win a gold-level (or higher) event on the PSA World Tour. She acknowledged the significance of this achievement, stating, “Nicol is the legend of this game and such an icon in the sports scene in Malaysia. So to be winning the event definitely is a huge confidence booster for me.”

Looking ahead, Sivasangari remains focused on her goals, aiming to break into the Top 10 by the end of the season. With upcoming tournaments including the CIB PSA World Championships and the British Open 2024, she is determined to continue her ascent in the squash world.

Moreover, with squash included in the LA28 Olympic Games sports programme, Sivasangari is hopeful about the future of the sport. “It’s a dream come true for me and for every other squash player out there,” she expressed. “I am very excited, and hopefully I will be able to qualify for it.”