KUALA LUMPUR: National squash player Chan Yiwen has announced her international retirement at the age of 24 after serving the national team for 10 years.
She made known her intention after the National Championships in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Aug 4).
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) president Gerard Monteiro and SRAM director Major (rtd) S. Maniam attended the retirement ceremony, and expressed their gratitude for Yiwen's dedication and contributions.
Yiwen said she retired from squash to focus on a new job in an auditing firm.
"Leaving the competitive squash scene is not an easy decision. I have a good job opportunity and will be starting work soon.
"After having just completed my Masters degree, I began to consider whether to continue in sports or transition into the corporate world.
"If I were to join the corporate sector later around 28 or 29, it would be more challenging to start a career.
"I consulted my family and a psychologist, and did a lot of mental preparation for this transition. For any athlete this change is never easy."
In her 10-year career, Yiwen has won several titles, including the Chongqing International Classic, Melbourne Open, North Coast Open and most recently the Hong Kong PSA Challenge Cup in February.
Her final competition was the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, in May.
The Kedah-born player's fondest memory with the national team was winning bronze medal in the 2022 World Team Championships in Cairo.
Yiwen said, during the 2019 Sea Games in the Philippines when her father passed away, SRAM provided full support.
"They made arrangements for me to return home for my dad's funeral and SRAM was always there for me whenever I needed them," said Yiwen, who won a silver medal in the individual event in the 2019 Sea Games.