Malaysia’s Henry Poh Khun Sim Brings the Family Together for the Australian Masters Games

Many athletes travel a long way to compete in the Australian Masters Games, but few have travelled further than Malaysia’s Henry Poh Khun Sim.

Dressed in his Team Malaysia playing shirt and with his family proudly flying Malaysian flags in the stands, Sim certainly stands out from the crowd at the South Adelaide Squash Centre.

At 80 years of age, Sim relishes the opportunity to play squash anywhere that he can. He counts a silver medal at the 2013 World Masters Games in Torino, Italy among his career highlights. However, there’s something special about the Australian Masters Games that keeps bringing him back. Henry’s son and grandchildren live in Melbourne, and the whole family is out in force to support him here in Adelaide.

“The main thing is to make friends, winning is secondary,” Sim said.

He first came to Australia as a student in the 1960’s and recalls memories of playing against Geoff Hunt, an all-time great and the world number one from 1975-80.

“I got about six points off him” Sim laughed as he recalled his time playing against the superstars.

The determined left-hander is unfortunately hampered by a knee injury this year, so doesn’t harbour many hopes of medalling, but none of that matters to him, he values the social side of the game and being able to see his family.

“I might have to slow down” remarked Henry when asked if he has to adapt his game in light of his injury.

Adelaide is not the final stop on Henry’s never-ending squash world tour, he says he’s looking forward to playing at the World Masters Games in Japan in 2021.

The squash competition will finish up tomorrow at the South Adelaide Squash Centre.