Sivasangari awarded special prize money for London Classic win

In a momentous triumph for Malaysian squash, Sivasangari Subramaniam, the 25-year-old prodigy hailing from Sungai Petani, Kedah, has emerged victorious at the London Classic 2024, securing the coveted gold medal. Sivasangari’s stellar performance has not only catapulted her into the limelight but has also garnered international acclaim, marking a significant milestone for Malaysian squash since the legendary Nicol David’s era.

The World Squash Development Organisation has expressed immense delight at Sivasangari’s achievement, announcing a special prize money of $20,000 in recognition of her outstanding performance at the London Classics. Additionally, world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy has been awarded $10,000 for her remarkable contribution to the tournament.

“We wish both players the best of luck in their future squash endeavors and assure deserving squash players of our full support and cooperation,” stated the World Squash Development Organisation in a Facebook announcement.

Sivasangari Subramaniam makes Malaysian squash history

Sivasangari’s journey to triumph at the London Classic was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Facing off against a formidable lineup of opponents, she showcased unwavering determination and prowess. Notably, her path to victory saw her vanquishing top-ranked players such as world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini and world No. 4 Nele Gilis, further underscoring her ascendancy in the squash hierarchy.

Her remarkable journey culminated in a gripping final showdown against world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt. In a riveting match that lasted 81 minutes, Sivasangari displayed her grit and skill, clinching victory with a mesmerizing 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 12-14, 11-8 triumph over her illustrious adversary. Currently ranked world No. 13, her title win may see her break into the top 10 rankings for the first time in her career.

Following her historic triumph, Sivasangari’s is currently enjoying a well-deserved holiday in Barcelona, Spain, before she resumes her campaign on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour. Her upcoming challenge at the US$175,000 El Gouna International tournament in Egypt from April 19-26, where she is slated to face off against El Hammamy once again in a highly anticipated rematch.

Beyond her immediate endeavors, Sivasangari’s packed schedule includes prominent fixtures such as the World Championships in Cairo, the Manchester Open, and the prestigious British Open in Birmingham. Additionally, she is poised to represent Malaysia at the Asian Team Championships in Dalian, China.

The inspiring journey of Sivasangari

Sivasangari Subramaniam’s ascent in the world of squash embodies not only talent and dedication but also remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. As the sole Asian squash player in the top 20 of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour rankings, she has navigated numerous challenges on her journey to success. Beginning her foray into the sport at the age of 9, alongside her older brother, Sivasangari’s introduction to competitive squash came with her enrollment at Majlis Sukan Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) in 2011. Despite her youth, she displayed immense potential, laying the groundwork for a promising career ahead.

After completing her studies at MSSM, Sivasangari pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Science at Cornell University in New York, balancing academic responsibilities with her squash career. Under the guidance of her mentor, David Palmer, the Cornell Squash Coach, she honed her skills and achieved remarkable success. Sivasangari secured numerous victories, including finishing as the runner-up in the Ramsay Cup and winning the CSA National Collegiate Individual Championships. Her undefeated streak in collegiate matches in 2021 and victories against top players like Harvard’s Sabrina Sobhy further solidified her reputation as a rising star in the squash world.

Remarkable comeback

However, Sivasangari’s journey was not without its trials and tribulations. In 2023, she faced a harrowing setback in the form of a devastating car accident on the MEX Highway. Sustaining serious injuries that required two surgeries and a grueling two-month hospitalization, Subramaniam faced perhaps her toughest challenge yet. Undeterred by the setback, she embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation regimen, determined to overcome the odds and return to the sport she loves.

Her recent triumph at the London Classic stands as a testament to her resilience and perseverance. Not only has she secured her place in sporting folklore, but she has also ignited hopes of a potential Olympic gold medal when squash makes its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As she continues to carve her legacy on the global stage, the nation eagerly anticipates witnessing the next chapter in the remarkable saga of Sivasangari Subramaniam, Malaysia’s squash sensation.