KUALA LUMPUR: National women's squash player S. Sivasangari needs financial support to continue training in the United States.
The Kedahan, who has completed her studies at Cornell University in New York, hopes to raise RM800,000 to further her squash career.
The National Sports Council (NSC) has agreed to support Sivasangari with only RM120,000.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia director Major (rtd) S. Maniam said Sivasangari is one of the top players in the world, but she needs financial help to continue her training in the US.
"She has requested a total of US$172,600 (RM800,000) from NSC to cover her entire expenses in the US (for a year)."
Maniam said the US$172,600 is for Australian former World No 1 David Palmer's coaching fees, a fitness coach, sports psychologist, sparring partners, physiotherapy, tournament travels, food, accommodation, and supplemental nutrition.
He said NSC has agreed to support Sivasankari with RM120,000. "As a Podium Programme player, her expenses for all tournaments will be covered by NSC. We are truly thankful to NSC for their support.
"Sivasangari's parents are looking for sponsors to help cover the other expenses while she is based in the US," said Maniam.
Sivasangari has shown true grit to recover from head and body injuries sustained in a road accident in June last year. She returned to competitions about three months ago.
She was world No 16 last June, but her ranking dropped to 33th after missing a number of PSA tournaments following the accident.
SRAM urges private companies to come forward and sponsor Sivasangari in her bid to break into the top world's top 20 and also win the Asian crown in Hong Kong from June 6-10.
Sivasangari hopes to get the kind of financial support that is given to the United States-based 400m runner Shereen Samson Vallabouy. Sea Games champion Shereen received RM400,000 (a year) from the Youth and Sports Ministry starting June 1.