Former Malaysian squash player Ong Beng Hee has been appointed by the US Squash as the Ganek Family US Squash Head National Coach.

The 41-year-old took on the role after a four-year stint coaching the Qatar national team.

"I'm extremely proud and humbled to be given the opportunity to head the US national program," Ong told the US Squash's official website.

"This is my biggest achievement as a coach, and to be leading the program supported by the amazing facilities at the Specter Center is a dream come true for any coach in the world.

"I'm grateful to the Ganek family, US Squash and [former national coach] Paul Assaiante. I have known Coach Assaiante for years and look forward to continuing to work with him to help build a bigger and better program."

Ong retired in 2015 after playing at the highest level for 17 years.

He won 15 PSA titles and represented Malaysia in four Asian Games and two Commonwealth Games, winning Asian Games singles gold medals in 2002 and 2006 and eight medals total.

World number six Amanda Sobhy was among the first to welcome Ong to the national set-up.

"It's been a long time coming and for him to actually be here has given the athletes a huge boost of excitement and confidence.

"I'm excited to learn from Beng Hee, someone who knows the mindset and training required at the highest level [and] pick his brain and have another perspective in my corner to develop my game.

"I hope having him here encourages more U.S. players to want to base themselves at the center to work with Beng Hee and train with all of us. The environment is slowly coming together and we’re all looking forward to the season ahead," she said.

(Photo: US Squash)