Squash is set to become an Olympic sport.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) is confident the sport will receive the final approval to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles (LA2028) Olympics.
After years of persistent efforts, squash stands on the brink of making its debut at the Olympics.
The LA2028 organising committee on Monday announced its proposal to include squash along with five other sports — flag football, baseball-softball, lacrosse, and cricket.
However, these sports will require ratification at the International Olympic Council (IOC) session in Mumbai on Monday.
SRAM director of coaching Major (rtd) S. Maniam is optimistic about squash's inclusion.
"Squash already has a foot in the door with the LA2028 organising committee proposing it. The odds are in our favour," said Maniam today.
"We have to wait for the IOC meeting on Monday, but I do not foresee any issues. There has to be a really good reason for it to be rejected.
Maniam said the squash fraternity is abuzz with excitement.
"Of course, we were incredibly happy after hearing the news of the LA2028 proposal.
"This is something we have been fighting for a long time. It is definitely a monumental moment for the sport."
He said SRAM is committed to ensuring that Malaysia will be a strong contender for medals in squash at LA2028.
Asian Games champions, Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari, who will be 30 and 29 in 2028, are among those expected to challenge for honours.
"I would hesitate to say that we can definitely win gold in 2028, but we will be aiming for the podium.
"For players such as Sivasangari and Eain Yow, they still have a number of years to develop into top-10 players.
"We also have the younger generation of players, such as sisters Aifa and Aira Azman, as well as Ameeshenraj Chandaran and Hafiz Zhafri Harif, coming up the ranks."