NATIONAL women’s squash sensation Nicol Ann David was amply rewarded by the Penang State Government for her achievements to date.

Nicol received the ‘Piala Kearah Atlet Terbilang’ and a RM10,000 cash incentive from the State Government presented to her by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

She also received the ‘Piala Perdana TYT Yang diPertua Negeri Pulau Pinang’, a medallion and a cheque for RM5,000 from State Secretary Datuk Jamaludin Hasan.

Nicol won this award and cash at the State Sports Awards ceremony in June but she was playing overseas.

The Chief Minister said the awards are an encouragement for her to improve in the world rankings and her exceptionally excellent performances, especially this year.

"Her dedication and commitment makes her an exemplary youth to others. Nicol has to continue her good work which will encourage all young Malaysians to attain world class status.



PROUD MOMENT: Nicol David with her parents Marrie Ann (left) and Desmond after receiving the ‘Kearah Atlit Terbilang’ and the ‘Piala Perdana TYT’ trophies at the Chief Minister’s office in George Town yesterday.

"Come back to Penang, whenever possible, and provide the morale boost to our youngsters," he told Nicol at his Komtar office in George Town yesterday.

In Nicol, Malaysians, especially the people of Penang, will be proud to see a superstar in a couple of years.

Presently Nicol, the World No 3, proved that she is the player to beat as she strolled past Australian World No 1Rachael Grinham and world champion Vanessa Atkinson of Netherlands at the recent Malaysian Women’s Open.

Rachael and Vanessa are the most experienced players in women’s squash.

Nicol has played six tournaments this year and won four — the Kuala Lumpur Open, Kuwait Open, Dutch Open and the Malaysian Open.

The 22-year-old Malaysian is now looking forward to capturing the World Title in Hong Kong on Nov 28-Dec 4 and her form thus far augurs well for her ambition.