Having most recently served as the head national coach of Qatar’s squash team, he succeeds Paul Assaiante who will now serve in an emeritus role after 13 years at the helm.

Ong, 41, will oversee the entire squash programme from the junior to the elite level, with emphasis on the country’s four top-25 ranked women’s players Amanda Sobhy, Olivia Blatchford Clyne, Sabrina Sobhy and Olivia Fiechter.

“I’m extremely proud and humbled to be given the opportunity to head the US national programme,” Ong was quoted as saying by US Squash.

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

Ong, who started work formally last week, will be based at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia.

“The Specter Center creates a perfect environment for both the players and coaches, it is the best squash facility in the world,” Ong said.

“All the US players are self-driven and motivated to achieve success at the highest level. I’ve come here to share my experience with them, but at the same time learn and grow together.

“It’s very important that I’m constantly learning about our players’ games and the modern game itself. We will do our best. I don’t see why we can’t challenge Egypt, the world No 1, and I feel that we’re not far away.”

Amanda, ranked sixth in the world, said she was “excited” to work with the former world No 7 men’s player.

“I hope having him here encourages more US players to want to base themselves at the centre to work with Ong and train with all of us. The environment is slowly coming together and we’re all looking forward to the season ahead.”

Ong began his squash journey just an hour from the Specter Center at Princeton University, when he won the World Juniors in 1998.

Over the course of his 17-year professional career, Ong won 15 Professional Squash Association titles, four Asian Championship titles and took home two Asian Games gold medals.