The Tamil Nadu Squash Racquets Association felicitated the medallists of the Asian Junior Squash Championship in Iran, wherein India bagged their best-ever tally of eight medals, out of which four were won by the Indian Squash Academy trainees. World Squash Federation supremo N Ramachandran and Squash Racquets Federation of India secretary general Srivatsan Subramaniam, besides the support staff, attended the function at the MCC on Monday.
The academy trainees were bestowed with mementos, after their impressive haul of two gold (Anaka Alankamony in the U-19 section and Kush Kumar in the U-17 category) and as many bronze (Vijay Meena Kumar and Ashita Bhengra in U-13 boys’ and girls’ categories in that order).
Ramachandran credited the players and the support staff for their impressive show. “Without their collective effort, this wouldn’t have been possible. Hopefully, next time we will get more medals,” he stated.
He spurred Anaka, who defended her title, to aim for hat-trick of titles. “I think only Nicol David has managed that. So it would be wonderful if Anaka can manage that. I wish her all the best,” he said.
Silver For Agnishwar
India’s swimmer J Agnishwar performed creditably in the Bahamas International Open. The Mechanical Engineering student won a silver medal in 200 IM and bronze in 50 breaststroke which has never been done by an Indian swimmer before. The meet featured 1200 swimmers from all over the world. Agni has had a good year, winning two gold medals in the USA Senior Circuit meet in Rayleigh NC, besides winning two gold medals in the Sunbelt Masters meet in the Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I feel rich from the experience last season. I have learnt what it takes to perform at the highest level. I was fortunate to beat Nelson Westby in the Senior Circuit Meet. This win has given me the belief that I can compete with the best,’’ said Agni.
“I have gained lots of knowledge and learnt new techniques both in training inside and outside the pool. Mental training in particular with with Terence Shenoy and Priya Shenoy, who specialise in psychology, has improved my self-belief and stay focussed,’’ added Agnishwar, who trains under Dave Marsh in the USA.
Joint Winners
Indian Cements and SBM (Bengaluru) were declared joint winners in the 43rd All-India YSCA Trophy cricket tournament at MA Chidambaram stadium. In a match reduced to 22 overs a side because of rain, India Cements won the toss and asked SBM (Bengaluru) to bat first. But when SBM (Bengaluru) were 36 for 8 in 7.3 overs, the match was stopped due to dangerous nature of the pitch. Subsequently the match was called off. Both India Cements and SBM (Bengaluru) shared the trophy and winners purse of `25,000.
Awards: Best Batsman: KB Arun Karthik (India Cements, `2,500). Best Bowler: Thangaraj (SBM (Bengaluru), `2,500). Special Award: Amit Kumar Varma (for scoring double century, `2500).