KUALA LUMPUR: The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) is aware of the long-term threat posed by China at the world level, including at the Olympics.
It is understood that China has placed a significantly greater emphasis on their squash development programme since the sport was officially included in the Olympic programme last year.
The sport will make its games debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
SRAM coaching director Major (rtd) S. Maniam said it will take time for China to develop their players.
A significant number of Malaysian coaches, including two-time Asian Games gold medallist Ong Beng Hee, are now coaching at various levels in China.
"Beng Hee is not the only Malaysian coach in China right now, there are over 10 Malaysian coaches coaching at various clubs there at the moment," said Maniam yesterday.
"China is just starting out (at elite level) and to get their squash to another level it would probably take 10 years or more.
"I would safely say that China is not a threat for LA2028, however, they could perhaps do so in the future."
Malaysia is aiming to win gold in squash at LA2028 with players such as S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow, who both won Asian Games gold medals last year, tipped to lead the charge alongside sisters Aira and Aifa Azman.
Malaysia topped the Hangzhou Asian Games medal table for squash last year with an impressive three gold, one silver and one bronze haul.
China, who only entered two players in Hangzhou, did not win any medals.