Malaysian Star Nicol David
Carries Olympic Torch In KL
Figureheads from the world of Squash continued to play their part
in the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in Malaysia as the
iconic flame continued its high-profile journey around the globe.
World
Squash Federation Patron Tunku
Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar - who is also President of the
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) - expressed his excitement
at being the first torchbearer for the Kuala Lumpur leg
of the global torch relay.
"It is a festive atmosphere here - and shows the good relationship
we have with Beijing," said the former Malaysian National Squash
champion.
"It's good to know that two Squash individuals are carrying the
Olympic Torch in KL," added the former WSF President.
Later, Nicol David played her part in carrying the torch.
Now in her third year as world number one, Miss David is widely
regarded as Malaysia's most successful sportsperson of all time -
and was recently voted 'Asian Sportswoman of the Year'.
Nicol told reporters that it was as close as one could get to the
Olympic Games: “It’s really a good feeling to be an Olympic
torchbearer, especially when I don’t get the chance to compete in
the Olympics.
"I
will not miss it for the world. I really hope squash will get
into the Olympics one day,” said Nicol, who flew home from her
training base in Amsterdam just for the occasion.
A large crowd
turned up to watch the Olympic torch make its way though Kuala
Lumpur on Monday despite the heavy downpour.
17-Apr-08:
Squash Legend Khan Honoured
To Carry Olympic Torch In Pakistan Squash
legend Jahangir Khan carried the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay
in his homeland Pakistan this week in what he described as "one of
the most important events in my life".
The record ten times British Open champion, who is now President of
the World Squash Federation, was the last torchbearer on the final
leg of its journey in the Pakistan capital Islamabad, handing it on
to delegates from New Delhi, the next city in the worldwide journey.
"Though Squash is not an Olympic sport, I feel extreme pride at
carrying the torch in Islamabad, keeping in view Pakistan's
exemplary friendship with China," said Pakistan sporting hero Khan,
widely considered to be the greatest squash player in the history of
the game.
"It
has always been a dream for me to be an Olympian. It's a special way
for me to be in Olympic Games. It seems you passed the final line
and won a gold medal in the Olympics. What I am doing today is
accomplishing something like that," said Jahangir Khan.
"Squash is played all over the world. The sport is growing in China
too - and we recently staged the Beijing Open in the country," added
Khan. "Next year, it will be decided whether the sport will be
included in 2016 Olympic Games. I am very optimistic for the future
prospects for squash.
During an extraordinary career, Khan was unbeaten in competitive
play for five years from 1981 to 1986 - and won the World title six
times and the British Open a record ten times.
"I am the first male squash torchbearer to carry the Olympic torch.
It's a big honour for me to be the last bearer and end the relay
here."
World
Squash Federation 
Squash
legend Jahangir Khan carried the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay
in his homeland Pakistan this week in what he described as "one of
the most important events in my life".
"Though Squash is not an Olympic sport, I feel extreme pride at
carrying the torch in Islamabad, keeping in view Pakistan's
exemplary friendship with China," said Pakistan sporting hero Khan,
widely considered to be the greatest squash player in the history of
the game.