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Former Malaysian squash star Ong Beng Hee, once ranked No. 7 in the world and a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, has embarked on a new chapter in his career. Since retiring from professional play in July 2015, Ong has transitioned into coaching, bringing his expertise first to Malaysia, then to the United States, and now to China.
In a recent interview, Ong shared his experiences guiding emerging squash talents in China, a country where interest in the sport is rapidly growing. Before relocating to Beijing, he spent three years with Team USA. Ong revealed that his decision to move was fueled by the immense potential he sees in China’s squash scene. “The growth here is incredible,” he said. “I wanted to be part of this exciting journey.”
Ong reflected on how squash gained popularity in Malaysia following the 1998 Commonwealth Games hosted in Kuala Lumpur. He noted that substantial funding from both government and private sectors significantly contributed to the sport’s development in his homeland. “Support plays a crucial role in nurturing athletes,” Ong explained. “It’s encouraging to see similar support emerging in China.”
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, Ong is enthusiastic about the future. Having dreamt of competing in the Olympics himself—a goal that remained just out of reach—he now channels that aspiration into his coaching. “My dream didn’t come true as a player,” Ong admitted. “But I hope to see my players represent their country on the Olympic stage.”
As he continues to mentor China’s rising squash stars, Ong Beng Hee is not only sharing his wealth of experience but also inspiring a new generation of athletes to reach for the highest levels of the sport. “Coaching allows me to give back,” he said. “I believe the future of squash in China is bright, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
