CHENNAI
When Aira Azman stepped onto the centre court of the Indian Squash Academy to face Australia’s Jessica Turnbull, her sister Aifa was her loudest supporter in an otherwise silent arena. Fifty-one minutes later, the roles reversed as Aira took her place courtside, cheering Aifa through a commanding win over Madison Lyon. Their victories secured Malaysia a 3-1 triumph over Australia and a spot in the Squash World Cup quarterfinals.
Though their wins in Chennai came with relative ease, the sisters admit the emotions differ when they are on tour playing higher-ranked opponents. Aira says she feels calm because she trusts Aifa’s game entirely, while Aifa, with a laugh, confesses she gets nervous watching her younger sibling, hiding her stress much like their mother used to do.
Aira, 21, and Aifa, 23, are both ranked inside the world’s top 50, their aggressive, fast-paced style often overwhelming opponents. Aifa, ranked 33, wrapped up her match in just 10 minutes, while World No. 24 Aira needed 15 minutes to subdue Turnbull.
Their journey into the sport began with their elder sister, Aika, who took up squash under Malaysia’s “one student, one sport” policy. At ages two and five, Aira and Aifa followed her to the courts, eventually rising through the junior circuit. The trio grew especially close when Aika moved to the Bukit Jalil Sports School in Kuala Lumpur. Now married and coaching, Aika continues to offer tactical advice and emotional support to her younger sisters.
Life on tour means missing festivals and family time, but Aifa says having Aira beside her makes the sacrifices easier. Malaysia next face Japan in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Results:
Express Avenue Mall: Hong Kong China 2-2 South Africa; India 4-0 Brazil
ISA: Malaysia 3-1 Australia; Japan 1-3 Egypt
