World squash champion Nicol David visiting New Zealand to strengthen sporting connections with Malaysia
Malaysian sporting icon and eight-time world squash champion Datuk Nicol David is visiting New Zealand this week to share her experiences of how sport can strengthen communities, support young people and drive positive social change.
Datuk Nicol Ann David
Hosted in New Zealand by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, Nicol will be joined by the co-founder and CEO of the Nicol David Organisation (NDO), Mariana de Reyes. Together, they will meet with New Zealand sport, education and community leaders in Auckland and Wellington.
One of the most successful squash players in history, Nicol held the world No.1 ranking for a record 108 consecutive months, won eight world championships and was named the greatest athlete in World Games history in 2021 [The World Games is international multi-sport event for sports not included in the Olympic Games].
Since retiring from professional sport, Nicol has turned her attention to creating opportunities for the next generation.
Established in Kuala Lumpur in 2022, NDO uses sport, education and mental wellbeing initiatives to support children, families and public schools, with its community programmes reaching more than 2,700 people across Malaysia.
The Foundation's deputy chief executive Adele Mason says the visit demonstrates the potential for sport to create connections that extend well beyond competition.
“Nicol is one of Asia’s most accomplished sporting figures, but what is equally inspiring is how she and Mariana are now using that experience to create meaningful change well beyond sport.
“New Zealand and Malaysia have much to learn from each other. This visit is an opportunity to share ideas and experience and to strengthen connections between our sporting, education and community sectors.”
During the visit, Nicol and Mariana will engage with a range of organisations, including the Blues Charitable Trust, New Zealand Rugby League, Steven Adams Pathway Trust, Warriors, Koru School’s Healthy Active Learning programme and Sport New Zealand.
She will also support an event with the Squash Foundation hosted by Dame Susan Devoy and attend the 2026 Secondary School Sport Conference in Wellington.
The visit builds on relationships established through the Foundation’s 2025 Sport Leaders Delegation to Malaysia and Singapore, which included a visit by New Zealand delegates to NDO in Kuala Lumpur.
For the Foundation, the exchange is part of a broader effort to connect New Zealand sport leaders with their counterparts across Asia to create lasting professional and people-to-people relationships.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Taniya Scott, Director Communications and Media | Asia New Zealand Foundation | email: [email protected] | 027 226 8707
