SINGAPORE — The gifts just keep coming for local squash professional Vivian Rhamanan, as Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) members pledged S$1,350 as a further boost for his professional career at a private fundraising event on Saturday.

The event, held at SCC, was attended by 30 members from the club’s squash section.

“The event went very well,” said Andrea Nicholas, convenor of the squash section at the SCC. “Vivian came down to SCC with his family and met with some of the section members, and even played a short game of squash with them.

“We then had tea and managed to raise some money to help him in his professional squash career.”

Rhamanan has also been nominated by members of the squash section for the SCC’s annual sports awards, which will take place on April 15.

“We nominated Vivian for SCC’s Sportsman of the Year based on his displays in the SEA Games and in his professional career,” said Nicholas, who revealed that Singapore’s only squash pro is up against former snooker world champion Peter Gilchrist for the award.

In previous interviews with TODAY, Rhamanan — who turned pro in October last year — revealed he needs nearly S$60,000 to help fund his professional career. He was dipping into his own savings to train and compete in Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournaments all around the world.

His situation prompted the SCC squash section to come out in aid of Rhamanan.

Earlier last month, they set up an online crowdfunding site to raise money for the father of two. So far, 14 backers have pledged a total of S$1,600.

Rhamanan, who won a gold medal in the men’s jumbo doubles at last year’s SEA Games, received more good news late last month when the Singapore Squash Rackets Association (SSRA) and local drinks and dairy giant Marigold agreed to back him with a sum of S$25,000 to help fund his professional pursuits for a year.

“I feel extremely proud to be part of SCC and I am very fortunate that the club’s squash members came together to support me in times like this when I didn’t approach anyone for help,” said Rhamanan, who has been a member of the Padang club since 2008.

“This shows how much the club cares for its members. Any help I get will go a long way and I will continue to do my best for my country and club.”