Former World Squash Champion Angela Smith is considering her future having been offered a prestigious position at the helm of Chinese squash. 

Angela has been offered the role of Academy Director at the Asia Pacific Squash Academy (APACSA), which is challenged with the task of introducing squash in China and beyond to a wider and younger audience. 

Squash is tipped to enter the Olympics in 2020 and so the hunt is on for young talent to add to China’s  medal quest 

China is particularly strong in racket sports and the game of squash is suited to the physical and mental attributes of the Chinese. 

Angela recently visited the country, spending three weeks in Shanghai where she was impressed with the facilities and National squad. 

“It is obviously an honour to have been offered such a position and the offer that has been made is a substantial one,” said Angela. 

“I will of course take the time necessary to consider the offer as it will naturally impact on my family and current life 

“And the thought of a 16 hour flight to get to the Britannia Stadium to watch my beloved Stoke City is not appealing. 

“I also need to consider the situation of working for a different country in the quest for medals rather than my own, whom I have represented proudly over the years. China’s squash history is brief and it will develop very quickly. 

John Paul Ho, CEO of APACSA, said: “We believe that Angela Smith, a legend in the sport is the person who can best move the Academy forward. Her credentials are second to none and we hope that she will accept our offer. 

“Angela is a fantastic ambassador for the sport, her country and her city. Her work ethic has been admired by our athletes who have been extremely  impressed and more importantly, she is a great role model for all aspiring athletes,  ideal for aspiring women in sport and business in the new emerging Chinese economy. 

“She is articulate and intelligent in addition to be a fierce competitor with a track record in sport that we hope she will be able to get Chinese players to emulate” 

ENDS 

For further information contact Angela Smith on 07836545100 

Notes to Editors: 

Angela Smith, from Stoke-on-Trent, was the first woman squash player to turn professional. 

She was ranked among the world’s best female players from 1979 to 1990 and was British Number One and British Champion on several occasions. She won the World Championships with the UK team in 1979 and was only defeated twice while on international duty. 

Angela became the first woman to be inducted into Stoke-on-Trent’s Sporting Hall of Fame and her achievements were recognised in 2012 when she was asked to be an Olympic Torch bearer in her home city.