Well done, Major

Former Malaysian national squash coach Major (Rtd) S. Maniam became the first person to be inducted into the Asian Squash Federation's Hall of Fame last week. He is currently the consultant coach for the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) and also Asia Squash Federation's (ASF) director of coaching.

Maniam is also director of coaching and development for the World Squash Federation.

"The award was for my contribution to the sport for Asia over the last 20 years. I am absolutely elated. It (coaching) is part and parcel of my job. I am enjoying my job very much and did not expect this (felicitation)," Maniam told Bernama in a telephone interview from Chennai Monday.

The 56-year-old coach, who once groomed the current world squash champion Nicol David, is based in Chennai and shaping up the Indian squash players.

Last Saturday, ASF director of referees Munir Shah of Singapore became the second person to be inducted into the hall of fame during a ceremony held at the Indian Sports Academy in Chennai.

Among Maniam's achievements was to successfully implement the National Junior Development Programme in Malaysia and India. He has been involved in the sport since 1976.