CHENNAI: Before the start of the Asian Squash Championships, national coach Achraf el Karagui was hoping for an all-Indian women’s final. On Saturday, it became reality. In the process, the country is also assured of a first gold medal at the prestigious event.
It was another humid Saturday afternoon in Chennai, but the weekend crowd at Express Avenue was electric. Cheering every winning point, they played a major role as Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa set up a mouth-watering final.
The Egyptian coach burst into laughter when asked where his allegiance would be for Sunday’s final. “I support India. I am for both tomorrow. I am neutral,” he said.
Joshna and Dipika know each other well, from their days at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai. According to Joshna, Dipika was only a little girl of 10 when they first met. Since then, they have played against each other on numerous occasions. But this final will definitely be special.
“Two Indians in the final has never happened before. So obviously it’s a big day for Indian squash. The Asian individual championship is the same as the Asian Games. The players are the same. Obviously, Nicol (David) isn’t here and that makes a big difference. But all the others are here. This is our competition, and it is good to know where we stand,” Joshna said after beating Tong Tsz Wing of Japan.
Misha Grewal in 1996 was the only Indian to reach the final. That was 21 years ago. A lot has changed in Indian squash since.
The last two years in particular have brought a lot in terms of accolades.
One major change according to Dipika and Joshna that has helped Indian players evolve is the appointment of the new coach. “I have been training with Achraf (el Karagui) for the last eight months. A lot of things have changed in my game. I am feeling a lot more confident and lighter. He is someone who breaks down my game really well. I slept very comfortably thinking that Achraf will be in my corner. He gave a game plan and I just executed it,” Dipika said.
Both players also credited the added advantage of playing at home. Joshna even joked that she had never received so much cheers. With this performance, expectations are high for the upcoming Asian Games. “Playing at home, I feel we are on track for next year’s Asian Games. Obviously Nicol is missing here. These events give us so much confidence going into the Games. For me and Joshna the ultimate aim is to win a gold medal in Asian Games,” Dipika said.
Joshna agreed and said that medals and trophies is what defines players at the end of day. “Dipika and I have a good partnership because there is also a team event at the Asian Games. I feel we have a good chance both in the individual and team championships,” Joshna said. Before that, they will be rivals. It’s one in-house rivalry India wouldn’t mind at the moment!
Max power
Men’s top-seed Max Lee of Hong Kong ousted third-seeded Malaysian Nafiizwan Adnan 12-10, 11-6, 11-5 in 51 minutes to book a spot in the final.
Results
Results (S/F): Women: Dipika Pallikal bt Annie Au (HKG) 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9; Joshna Chinappa bt Tong Tsz Wing (JPN) 11-6, 11-4, 11-8; Men: Max Lee (HKG) bt Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 12-10, 11-6, 11-5; Saurav Ghosal bt Leo Au (HKG) 11-6 11-7 11-3.
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com