Remashree Muniandy has her sights set on international squash courts, and now she’s got the backing to chase that ambition. The South Australian athlete, who relocated from Malaysia with her family in 2018, has been awarded a High Performance Athlete Program (HPAP) grant—support that will help her train, travel, and compete without the constant strain of financial pressure.
She’s one of 69 athletes across the state to receive a share of $152,000 in funding, part of a government initiative to assist those aiming for Olympic, Paralympic, or Commonwealth Games selection. The program supports costs like equipment, coaching, and interstate or overseas competition, and is helping South Australians like Remashree focus on the sport instead of the bill.
The grant sits alongside her rigorous training schedule as she targets future Commonwealth Games appearances, continuing to grow in a sport where Australia has long punched above its weight.
Among the other recipients is Katelin-Marie Gunn, a 21-year-old wheelchair basketballer who is working toward the 2026 Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Gunn will receive $4,500 in support, which she says will go directly into training travel and much-needed equipment.
“I think this program is important because it allows athletes with financial barriers to access the right resources,” Gunn said. “It gives them the opportunity to show what their potential is.”
Her near-term goal is a spot in the 3×3 Australian side for Glasgow. After that, the aim is LA. “It’ll be tough competition,” she said, “but I’m up for the challenge.”
This year’s HPAP recipients span 24 different sports, and their stories paint a picture of a state committed to keeping its best athletes on the path to elite competition. Assistant Minister to the Premier Emily Bourke said the program was designed to make high-level sport more accessible for South Australians at the top of their game.
“We’re backing South Australians to realise their sporting dreams and supporting athletes on their journey from pathway to podium,” she said.
“This program eases financial pressures faced at the highest levels of competition, helping homegrown talent stay focused on their preparation and performance.”
Already, 14 athletes who’ve received previous HPAP grants are confirmed to represent Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The latest round hopes to continue that momentum through to Glasgow 2026 and LA 2028.
The state government has also committed $1 million over four years to the Olympic and Paralympic Team Appeal for Los Angeles—funding that helps athletes plan across the full Games cycle without running into financial bottlenecks halfway through.
For Remashree, the grant recognises not only talent but persistence. Her journey from Malaysia to Australia added layers of change—new systems, new coaches, new networks. Through it all, squash remained her anchor. Now, she’s training with renewed focus, knowing that the financial lift will help her compete without compromise.
The High Performance Athlete Program does more than top up a budget. It builds time, headspace, and confidence—all critical to performance. For athletes like Remashree and Katelin, that backing can be the difference between almost and actual.
And while the medals are still some distance away, the effort is already underway—in morning sessions, weekend tournaments, and countless quiet hours chasing personal bests. South Australia has made its bet on them. Now it’s game on.
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