Nicol David – Keynote Speaker

A true legend of the game, Nicol David is one of the most decorated sports stars of a generation and has broken a succession of remarkable records during her career to date – capturing the hearts of thousands of adoring fans in the process. The Malaysian superstar burst onto the scene when she won her first Women’s World Junior Squash Championship in 1999 before claiming her maiden Tour title in February 2000 when she triumphed at the Savcor Finnish Open. Later that same year, David became the first female to lift the World Junior Championship for a second time, while 2002 saw her win a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the mixed doubles event.

After breaking into the World’s top five in January 2005, Nicol David went on to notch up a record-breaking year. January 2006 saw her become the first Asian woman ever to reach the World No.1 spot. In February 2015 Nicol celebrated her 106th consecutive month at the top of the World Rankings to overtake New Zealand’s Susan Devoy as the longest-reigning World No.1, cementing her place as one of squash’s greatest ever players. In 2016 Nicol held the record of being world number one for 112 months.

Nicol David has become the first to win eight World Open crowns in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. This is a women’s record and equals Pakistan legend Jansher Khan. In July 2016, the eight-time World Champion set yet another historic milestone, reaching her 151st successive month in the top 10.

David was given the honour of Asia flag bearer, leading the Asian continent in the Commonwealth Games (2014) and the privilege of carrying the Olympic torch for Malaysia during the build up to the Athens Olympics (2004) as well as the Beijing Olympics (2008).

In 2008 Nicol David was honoured with the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri Award (DSPN), which carries the title ‘Dato’. She was recognized as the youngest person ever to be conferred Datukship in Penang. Nicol was also honoured with the Order of Merit, an award that is limited to 10 recipients who have made significant contributions in the arts, sciences and the humanities.

Nicol David is an Ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of people in disadvantaged areas, using sports to change the way people look at the world. She is also a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador for Malaysia. David believes that the youth can be a positive force for development, peace, and democracy. She has spoken out on the importance of values of understanding, solidarity, respect and communication across all cultures.