CHENNAI: THE best way to break the ice with visitors from abroad is to apologise profusely for the weather. The British turned it into an art form. Indians, especially for visitors to this part of the country in April and May, also utilise the time-honoured practice. A similar scene unfolded on Tuesday as a couple of Chennaiites were apologising to the members of the Iran squash team. “Even though the heat is uncomfortable, we are used to it. But the humidity is something else,” says Mohammad Saniee, the chief coach of the squad.
With introductions out of the way and greetings exchanged, Saniee, who is animated throughout the 10-minute conversation talks how the Asian Individual Championships will be the first step towards putting up a creditable show at the next Asian Games. “Taking part here is part of the learning programme towards Jakarta 2018. If we use the experience that we gain in tournaments like this and manage to finish in the top six in team events there, we will get more attention.”
Why is that important? Squash is behind volleyball, wrestling and football in terms of popularity. As a consequence, media and sponsors go flocking towards them. Jakarta, Saniee believes, could change that trend. “We finish near the top and the government recognises our achievements and gives us more funding. We will ultimately get more media attention and sponsors.” Sponsors being the operative word.
“Funding is a big problem,” Saniee, a former player, says. Most of the money in the sport right now comes from the government and federation, which is unsustainable. That means they are losing out on the next generation of players. “Everybody watches TV. And you only see football, volleyball, wrestling on it. Squash? Not so much. So, when that happens, parents want to send kids to only those sports.”
But Iran has come up with a curious term to try and solve this problem — lack of competition. “Since not many kids play squash, it’s easier to become a national champion in the sport in Iran. So our message is it’s easier to become a national champion in squash.”
That may be a novel way to drum up interest but lack of talent shows on the world stage. The federation, however, is hopeful that Alireza Shameli — one of eight Iranian players here — will address that. He is one of the few to have bridged the gap. “The shelf is not bare in terms of talent. Last year, we had an Asian junior No 1 (Alireza).”
The conversation ends with a mandatory question on Donald Trump and whether the much-debated travel ban, when it was enforced, affected Saniee or any of his players. “Haha. No (laughs). No comments. All I can say is that Iran bats for peace with everybody.”
swaroop@newindianexpress.com