Chennai: At 22, Dipika Pallikal is the youngest among the 126 prominent personalities who will be conferred with the Padma awards this year. The squash pin-up girl from Chennai, who is currently ranked no.12 in the world, said getting Padma Shri at a young age is a great honour.
“I have to thank the Indian government for recognising my talent and achievements,” said Dipika.
In 2013, Dipika claimed the Meadowood Pharmacy Open title in Canada and won her seventh Tour title at the Macau Open, beating former world no.1 Rachael Grinham.
In the new season, she stumbled in the final qualifying round of the Tournament of Champions in New York. She is set to make it into the top 10 when the new ranking list comes out in February.
“My goal is to reach the top five by the end of 2014. The Padma honour will motivate me further to do well. I am striving hard to stay fit and healthy,” said Dipika, who is also eyeing a medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
