Squash was handed another boost in an increasingly memorable week for the sport after actress Michelle Yeoh became an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.

On the final day of the IOC session in Mumbai, a day after squash had been granted Olympic inclusion by members, Malaysian Yeoh was voted in as one of eight new members, taking the total to 107.

The 61-year-old, the first Asian actress to win an Oscar, is a former Malaysian junior squash champion and Perak State representative and has highlighted her love for the sport over the years, not least with her backing of the sport for the Olympic 2020 bid.

Yeoh, married to ex Ferrari F1 head and ex-FIA president Jean Todt, said: I remember when someone asked me, how did you become an actress? I always said, I never dreamt of being an actress, but as a child I always dreamt of being an Olympian.

Sports was very much part of my life growing up, I was very much involved with squash, athletics, swimming and diving.

It has always been there and growing, but how do I find a way to join this [IOC] family? They are very tight-knit and also they have to be very sure that you share their passion, you share their commitment and ideology.

So it took me a little while to ensure this is what I do believe in and I need to be part of this family.

Last year, fellow Datuk Nicol David was announced as Malaysias deputy chef de mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

David will assist in coordinating the preparation and supervision of Team Malaysia next year in Paris.