The Olympics is Nicol's aim

Datuk Nicol David may be a two-time world champion but it's playing in the Olympics, that is if squash gets there, which is her ultimate ambition.

But until then, the Malaysian and world No 1 will have to keep fighting and promoting the game in the hope that her favourite sport will earn the nod of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As things stand, the IOC will only undertake a review of any inclusion or exclusion of the list of sports to be contested in the Olympics only after the 2012 Games in London.

"We have been told that squash stands a chance of being included in the 2016 Games, which is eight years from now and the World Squash Federation is working very hard towards that aim.

"I am very excited about the prospects of playing in the Olympics and by then (2016) I would be 33. Hopefully I will still be around. For me the most important thing is to stay injury free. That's the key," said Nicol on the sidelines of the Singapore Women's Squash Masters 2008 which gets underway Wednesday.

For now, the Olympic dreams have to be put aside as she chases her sixth crown of the year in the US$53,500 tournament at the Kallang Squash Centre in the Republic. And then there is the Dutch Open in Amsterdam in September and to be followed by the World Championship in Manchester in October.

"There is so much hard work ahead, particularly in the World Championship which is the title everyone on the circuit is eyeing. You cannot afford to take your eyes off your opponent, even for one second," added Nicol. - Bernama