Her grip on a squash racquet isn’t her only ‘strong’ forte. So is her handshake! For Arjuna awardee Joshna Chinappa, it’s all in the game. She laughs, “I shook somebody’s hand recently, and was told that I have really rough hands.” But presently at her highest world ranking so far - number 24, Joshna doesn’t mind in the least. And to top it off, she also received the prestigious Arjuna award earlier this year. In a casual chat with City Express, the 27-year-old tells us why the gym is her place of solace and why she won’t settle for anything less than a six-pack man.
So where are you playing next?
I’m headed to Malaysia for an international tournament on Monday and then Macau...
And you’re based in Mumbai now. What’s that like?
It’s great, I stay with my coach Ritwick Bhattacharya and his wife so it’s like a family dynamic in the house. And when I’m not training (which is five to six hours a day), I’m usually catching up on my favourite TV shows...Revenge, The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills, The Following...I follow a lot of TV shows!
And you fit this all into a day of training?
Yes, it’s crazy. On a non-training day, I usually treat myself to some chocolate or KFC (smiles)
What about boys, is there any pressure from home to get married quickly?
Not at all. You know, most of my friends are married, but it’s never mattered to me too much. I’m counting on the next four years to produce some of my best squash, so that’s my focus for now.
Still, not getting distracted by all these great bodies on the squash court - that’s got to be hard!
It’s not like I never think about it (laughs). Unfortunately in squash, most guys are either married or taken! But I am sure about one thing, when I do settle down — it has to be with someone very fit...because I am. Also, a six pack wouldn’t hurt!
Okay, back to the serious questions. Are you happy where you are right now?
Absolutely. Last year after my injury, I slipped to number 75 and now I’m back up in my highest world ranking so far.
You started playing this game when you were 14. Have you ever felt saturated?
If there’s anything at all that is bugging me, I just hit the gym. I love doing squats, lunges...all the things most girls hate to do (laughs). And I can stay in there for ages, I think my longest workout so far has been three hours.
And where is all your energy going - specifically in terms of the women’s international circuit?
The Commonwealth and Asian Games, definitely. That’s my priority right now.