Trustco Group International signed a 3-year sponsorship deal to the tune of N$1.5 million with the Namibian Squash Association (NSA) for the development of the game of squash in Windhoek yesterday.

Quinton van Rooyen, Managing Director of Trustco Group Holdings Limited, underscored the importance of investing in sports codes as a way of elevating the standard of athletes and to prepare them for world-class competitions.

"Gone are the days when sports was a pastime, hobby. Today, sports is in addition to being good for the physical condition, big business and we must take the responsibility to pull our young people to the level where they must stake a claim to fame in the international sporting arena with confidence," he quipped.

"The NSA has proven to be worthy of investment through exceptional performance at international level. During their interactions they were exposed to and gained contacts with various federations across the globe."

Some of the international highlights were Germany and Paderborn, the Men's World Squash Championships, where the team beat Bermuda and finished 31st during October 2011. Zimbabwe are the All Africa Squash Champions.

Namibia will this year for the first time host the All Africa Squash Championships at junior and senior level. This will create a hive of international activity and create an appropriate opportunity for talent scouts to have a go at their trade in hunting for skillful athletes.

The Namibian Squash Association welcomed the sponsorship and pledged to plough the funds back into the sport by hosting more squash events; developing junior teams; optimizing professional structures; affiliating to the sport's governing bodies; competing at international events and consulting with experts in various aspects of the sport, as well as acquiring much needed equipment.

"Squash will continue to grow into a more mainstream sports code over the next three years," said NSA chairperson Adri Lambert, upon receiving the sponsorship.

National squash coach Tyc Kakehongo, also applauded Trustco for the generous sponsorship. He added that the funds would be utilized towards coaching and enhancing youth skills to also compete on an international level in the near future.