The scar etched on Malaysian Sivasangari Subramaniam's forehead is a daily reminder of the accident that almost claimed her life, but it seems that she has erased this nightmare from her memory. On Sunday, she defended her title at the Asian Games, and at the same time booked her ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when squash will participate for the first time in the Olympic Games.
The accident near Kuala Lumpur left Subramaniam with neck and spinal injuries and raised doubts about her ability to walk again. However; Within about a year, she wasn't just walking; Rather, she climbed the podium and won two gold medals at the “Asian Games” in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, in amazing evidence of her willpower and skill.
The 27-year-old player said after her victory over Indian Anahat Singh 3-0 in the women’s singles final at the Asian Games in Japan at the Kengo Photo Hall: “I definitely went through a difficult journey.”
She added: “The car accident happened about 4 years ago, and then (the Asian Games) made a strong comeback.”
She continued: “I believe that everything happens for a reason; as you know. I believe that there are always ups and downs. “My down period was very difficult, but I am happy that I was able to come back strong.”
She added: “Life is full of difficulties; So, I try not to think too much. “I try to live my life a little more, not put too much pressure on myself, and try to enjoy playing squash as much as possible.” She refused to let the bets on winning and qualifying for the Olympics affect her performance in the match. “I just tried to put all those external factors out of my mind,” she said. I think everyone wants to win, and everyone has the same goal; It is winning the title.”
She added: “I try to put all of this out of my mind and focus only on what I have to do on the field, and I think I succeeded in that well, and in controlling my emotions well.”
After qualifying was guaranteed, the player placed: Ranked 5th in the world, she has two goals in mind: They are: becoming number one in the world and an Olympic champion.
She added: “I want to improve my ranking by the end of the season to be among the top three in the world.” “My goal is to be ranked number one in the world and win the Olympic gold medal.”
She continued: “I still have two more seasons before the start of the (Olympic Games). “I have a lot of small goals that I want to achieve before that.”
Her compatriot In Young also qualified for the “Games” in Los Angeles after defending his men’s singles title by defeating Abhay Singh 3-0 in another Malaysian-Indian final.
Badminton star, Indian HS Prannoy, who won several medals, described the Asian Games in Japan as “very sad” for the athletes, considering that it was at a lower level compared to the Chinese version three years ago.
The organizers of the Aichi-Nagoya Games did not build a traditional village for athletes, in a move aimed at reducing costs; Instead, participants stayed in hotels, temporary wooden units, and a cruise ship.
Prannoy, who won the team bronze, said this made the athletes' experience disappointing.
“It was sad,” the 34-year-old said in a video clip posted by the Indian Badminton Association on YouTube on Saturday.
He added: "Honestly, we never felt like we were participating in the Asian Games."
He continued: “The fun and main goal of holding a multi-sport event is to have the opportunity to meet the rest of the athletes, interact with them, and have conversations with them.”
He added: “This is the goal of holding a multi-sport tournament... and it was very sad to find ourselves in such a situation, especially when you remember the Hangzhou 2023 tournament, and realize the extent of the astonishment that China presented in organizing it.”
The tournament witnessed a series of problems, including a shortage of rooms, long delays at airports, and poor transportation services.
Prannoy, who won two silver and a bronze medal in Hangzhou, added: “You expect the situation to be better after three or four years.”
He continued: “But things declined, and I think that many athletes faced difficult experiences regarding accommodation and means of transportation.”
He noted: “Honestly, it was a very average course.”
