Squash Racquet Association Penang

History of the Squash Rackets Association of Penang (SRAP)


The strength and popularity of squash in Penang increased proportionately with the availability of facilities. Until 1977,
Penang state had only 4 squash courts – two at the RMAF/RAAF base in Butterworth, one in Tin Club in Butterworth, and only
one on Penang Island, at USM. Be that as it may, there is no denying the fact that there is tremendous interest and squash is
fast growing. In 1978, a group of enthusiasts, namely Ian Ong, Ong Kee Beng , Oh Siong Tit and Bob Steward got together
and launched an inter-team League after forming a pro-tem committee under the chairmanship of Dato’ Khoo Heng Choon.
A measure of the interest can be gauged by the fact that seven teams took part in the tournament – RAAF, RMAF, Tin Club,
USM Staff, Rasa Sayang, Penang Club and Penang Sports Club. RAAF eventually won the handsome Poh Soong Trophy,
donated by Leslie Lai. Following this, while examining the possible directions that the pro-tem committee could take, a new
competition was organised to compete for the RAAF trophies. A feature of this competition was the attempt to differentiate
team of various standards – and hence 2 divisions (6 teams in Division One and 6 in Division Two). The game had grown.
It was in 1980 that SRAP took definite shape. On 20th May, after a series of discussions, squash enthusiasts got together and
officially form the SRAP (as a branch of SRAM) and the first working committee was formed.

Official Formation (1980–1981)
The Association was officially registered in 1980 (Registration No PPM/PG 731/72-1) and the 1st AGM was held on 2nd Oct
1981 at Penang Club.

Role Name
ChairmanOng Kee Beng
Vice-ChairmanIan Ong
Honorary SecretaryDanny Goon
Honorary TreasurerLoong Foo Kim
Committee MembersOh Siong Tit
Oh How Tat
Gitu Chakravarthy
Victor Emmanual
Kuok Khoon Kee

Activities in Penang had followed thick and fast since then. Butterworth was the scene of the SRAM organized Tiger Trophy Inter-team Championships in June. The same month saw the commencement of the 1980 inter-team League for the RAAF
trophies. Once again, teams were divided into two divisions, with 6 teams in Division One and an incredible 8 teams in Division Two, considering the very limited courts available. The enthusiasm of Penang Sports Club ( with 2 teams), Chequer’s
Disco and Chartered Bank must be commended for participating without the availability of home courts. The high point of SRAP’s activities must be the organization of the first Penang Closed in August 1980 at the RMAF base in Butterworth, sponsored by Pallas.


The Association was officially registered in 1980 (Registration No PPM/PG 731/72-1) and the 1st AGM was held on 2nd Oct 1981 at Penang Club. The elected committee was:

Role Name
Chairman Ong Kee Beng
Vice-ChairmanOh Siong Tit
Honorary Secretary Danny Goon
Honorary Treasurer Loong Foo Kim
Honorary Auditor Lim Tiong Chin
Committee MembersDr Ee Chong Sen
Oh How Tat
Goh Kim Leong
Gitu Chakravarthy
James Fam

Leadership Legacy
SRAP’s chairpersons over the years:

  • Oh Siong Tit (1982–2007)
  • Dr. Ee Chong Sen (Interim years)
  • Dato’ Lim Tiong Chin (2008–2022)
  • Dato’ Linda Geh (2022 – Present)

Key Milestones

  • June 1980: Hosted the Tiger Trophy Inter-Team Championships (Butterworth).
  • August 1980: Organized the 1st Penang Closed Tournament at RMAF Base (sponsored by Pallas).
  • 2 October 1981: Held the 1st AGM at Penang Club, electing a new committee.

SRAP’s Achievements


Infrastructure Development

The Evolution of Squash Excellence in Penang: SRAP’s Infrastructure Journey
The Squash Rackets Association Penang (SRAP) has been instrumental in transforming squash facilities in Penang, creating a world-class training and competition hub that has nurtured champions. Below is the historic timeline of our squash center’s growth:


Bukit Dumbar Squash Centre (1983-1991)
The Bukit Dumbar Squash Centre was Penang’s first dedicated squash facility. Serving as the training ground for local talents, laying the foundation for competitive squash in the state and hosted grassroots programs and local tournaments, sparking
interest in the sport.


Pepsi Squash Centre (1992-2000)
When it was opened to the public in 1987, the squash centre was named Pepsi Squash Centre due to sponsorship from Antah Group of Companies which controlled Pepsi Malaysia. With improved infrastructure with better courts, lighting, and spectator
facilities, the squash centre became a key venue for state and national-level competitions. The venue played a crucial role in early player development, including future stars.


Penang International Squash Centre (2001-2012)
Renamed the Penang International Squash Centre, reflecting its growing stature. The venue quickly expanded to host international tournaments, attracting players from across Asia. With enhanced training programs with modern coaching
techniques, it has solidified Penang’s reputation as a squash development hub.


Nicol David International Squash Centre (2013-Present)
In honor of Malaysia’s greatest squash legend, Datuk Nicol David, the facility was renamed the Nicol David International Squash Centre. Fully modernized with world-class courts, fitness facilities, and digital scoring systems. The venue had hosted
WSF, PSA, and Asian Squash Federation-sanctioned events, including the PBA Penang Junior Open. Nicol David International Squash Centre will continue to produce top-tier talent, maintaining Penang’s dominance in Malaysian squash. Today, the
Nicol David International Squash Centre stands as a symbol of excellence, attracting players, coaches, and fans worldwide.

From Bukit Dumbar to Nicol David International Squash Centre, SRAP’s journey reflects our unwavering dedication to squash
development. We invite players, sponsors, and fans to be part of this legacy as we continue shaping the future of the sport.

Tournaments & Leagues

  • Penang Pallas Open Invitational (1984–1989)
  • Structure of Leagues: Commercial houses involving FTZ companies
  • Penang International Junior Squash Championships (2002–2011)
  • Penang (Malaysian) Junior Open (2012–2019, 2022–Present)

Player Development

  • Junior Programs: Chris Clark (Level 1 Coaching), Maniam (Level 1 Coaching), Squash Academy of Penang (SAP)
  • Notable Athletes: Nicol David (World No. 1)
  • State Team Successes: Sukma Games, SEA Games

International Achievements:

  • World Women’s and Men’s Junior Tournaments
  • Commonwealth Games
  • Asian Games
  • Asian Senior Individual and Team Championships
  • Asian Junior Individual and Team Championships

National Recognition

  • 1st State Branch of SRAM