The game of Squash is growing in the city. And making a mark on the sport are three budding young players who have managed to make a name for themselves in the field by playing in a knockout style! We get in touch with the young players who like to show off their swings and smashes, and get their take on the game, future plans and the scope of Squash in the city. “There aren’t as many amenities as other sports, when it comes to squash.
Only high-end apartment complexes and clubs have squash courts which makes it harder for public to access,” says squash coach Dominic, who recently organised the Bangalore Junior Squash Tournament. But how does he plan on getting more people involved? “To get the sport the mileage it requires, we plan on holding more summer camps to get more children involved to take the game further,” he adds.
Diya Yadav, 9 years, Most Valuable Player award The national level squash player's, journey has been a inspired one, and she wants to continue pursuing it. “I used to love playing Squash in Mumbai and took part in a few competitions that I somehow managed to win,” says the nine-year-old shyly. The youngster who also loves playing sports like basketball and cricket, reveals, “I took it up as a hobby and then started to enjoy it. But when I moved to Bengaluru, I realised that not many people were into the sport here. So I’m trying to do my best to promote it,” says Diya who recently even played (not competitively) at the US Open, rather confidently.
Aditya Rajpal, 18, second place at the Bangalore Junior Squash Tournament
“There’s not a lot of money in Squash, which is why I think most people don’t choose to focus on it,” says Aditya Rajpal. “My dad is a national level Squash player and when I saw him being awarded for the sport I decided to take it up,” reveals the 18-year old from Mallya Aditi who began playing around two years ago. But does he find it hectic, now that he is in college, to manage giving equal time to studies and sports? “I don’t take a break in between, it’s quite exhausting and I haven’t been able to spend time with family, so I’m trying to fit that in too,” smiles the youngster who aims to be a sports agent or manager in the future.
Rahul Balakrishnan, 9 years, second place
“My father plays the game and that’s how I got into it. He has been very enouraging,” says Rahul Balakrishnan who made it to the finals! “I used to watch it on TV all the time, and I love sports. I not only play Squash, but Cricket, Lagori and Badminton as well. And when I’m not doing either, I absolutely love watching movies,” adds the student of Bishop Cottons Boys School enthusiastically. “And when I grow up, apart from an Olympic Squash player, I want to become a chef as well because I love food,” adds the young champ.
