Nicol Ann David receives honorary doctorate
There are many legends in Malaysian sports who represented our country spectacularly while at the top of their games. Some names that come to mind are Mokhtar Dahari, Lee Chong Wei and Nicol Ann David – just to name a few.
Squash legend Nicol David, who raised the bar in sports for many with her remarkable career, is one of many retired athletes who continue to make us all proud. The nation’s pride was recently awarded with a honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, in recognition of her contributions to the sport.
For her contribution to sport & support for education
On 13th February 2022, former squash player Nicol David took to Facebook to share yet another feat she achieved – receiving a honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. The award was in recognition of her “contribution to sport and [her] support toward impact of positive education in empowering lives”.
Image credit: Nicol David
Nicol David is one of the most successful squash players in the world, winning multiple titles and tournaments. Although now retired, her legacy lives on as she was named the World Games’ Greatest Athlete of All Time in an online poll held by the International World Games Association on its 40th anniversary.
She was previously awarded a Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2019 too.
After receiving a honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University, the celebrated squash player shared three life lessons that she learned during the course of her 20-year career in squash with her followers on social media. This was part of the speech she gave to graduates.
Image credit: Nicol David
She highlighted the need to stay away from negative people and naysayers, and how we should always strive to be compassionate individuals. Despite obstacles that one would face, she encouraged her followers to find strength and be good people, and to stay true to their dreams and put in the work as there is “no right path in life” – rather, “beauty [in] finding strength … to push through when things get tough”.
Malaysians thank Nicol for her contributions
Since its posting, Nicol’s post has garnered over 13,000 reactions and 800 shares at the time of writing. Malaysians from all walks of life can be seen flooding the comment section on her post, congratulating her for the award.
Some of the comments left by netizens on Nicol’s post
Image credit: Nicol David
Many also thanked the squash player for her contributions to the sport, and for being an inspiring role model to young people, including netizen Saras Nara, who said that Nicol’s accomplishments in squash is an inspiration for young Malaysians.
Image credit: Nicol David
Likewise, Paul Liew commented that the honorary doctorate is a much-deserved award for Nicol given her immense contributions to squash.
Image credit: Nicol David
Nicol David receives honorary doctorate
Nicol has certainly achieved many feats in her career as a squash player. This honorary doctorate awarded to her for her immense contributions to sports and beyond is one that we applaud with fellow Malaysians, as she’s a true national hero who will no doubt be celebrated by everyone for many more years to come.
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Cover image adapted from: Nicol David and Nicol David