David, the world number one for a record-breaking 108 consecutive months, will assist Chef de Mission Datuk Hamidin Amin in coordinating the preparation and supervision of Malaysia’s team at Paris 2024.

"It was always a dream of mine to compete in the Olympics and play for Malaysia," the 39-year-old Nicol said.

"I even went on three campaigns around the world to pitch for squash to get into the Olympic Games but unfortunately, we didn’t succeed.

"Two weeks ago I got a message from Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, asking me if I would be keen to be the Deputy Chef de Mission.

"To be honest, I started crying."

David lifted a record eight World Championship titles and also won seven gold medals at the Asian Games and two at the Commonwealth Games.

But she admitted that she thought her chances of being involved in the Olympics had passed.

"I was in shock because I never thought this would ever happen to me in my lifetime," David said.

"I wrote back to her saying 'You’re making me cry right now.

"'I would be truly honoured to represent my country at the Olympics', to which she said, 'Well, that’s done then'.

"I still couldn’t believe it when it officially happened in the press conference for the Road to Gold Committee."

David is part of Malaysia’s Road to Gold Programme Committee which is intended to provide elite athletes the support they need to challenge for gold at Paris 2024, as well as Los Angeles 2028.

"Unfortunately I will not get to play anymore but it is even more meaningful to me because I will be there for the athletes and this will be another great contribution for my country," David said.

"I believe that our athletes need encouragement and my goal is to be there to share whatever knowledge that I have gained in my career to support them in reaching their own dreams.

"I expect myself to cry like a baby until the end of the Olympics in Paris 2024.

"Paris, here I come.

"Thanks, Malaysia, for the opportunity."