CHENNAI: As Indian squash players began to prepare for the Asian Games in Japan next month, they received a shot in the arm with the confirmation of former World No 1 James Willstrop as their foreign coach. Former Asiad gold medal winner and current national coach Harinder Pal Sandhu will work alongside him.
“Me and James have been in touch regularly since he's been confirmed as coach for the Games. I have been sharing my thoughts. He has been sharing his thoughts. I have made sure that before he travels here, he's aware of all the players and what kind of game everyone plays. He's also keeping an eye out for all our players who are playing different tournaments leading up to the Asian Games. So, everyone is on the same wavelength,” Sandhu told this daily.
While appointing him just for the Asian Games may appear to be a short-term fix, Harinder explained that he has previously sparred with a few and has coached both Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh. That way, Willstrop's assignment with the Indians already has a jump start. “Since James has depths of knowledge and experience, my work over there with him is to make sure he's aware of everyone. He has worked with most of our players before. He's aware of Velavan (Senthilkumar), Veer Chotrani, Joshna (Chinappa), Tanvi (Sharma). He wants to add on everything that he has. So, we have had some good conversations leading up to the Asian Games till now. And going forward also, we are speaking every other day."
Additionally, the players underwent a week-long camp early this month sparring with top 50-ranked players like Gregoire Marche (World No 19), Melvil Scianimanico (World No 31) and Spaniard Bernat Jaume (World No 36). “It was a good eight days of intense sparring. At the same time, we were very attentive to our recovery protocols, too. We made sure recovery was also equally prioritised in those eight days because everyone was taking part in tournaments. So, it was a mix of match plays, a mix of condition games and some drills,” he said.
Abhay returns to action
India’s No 1 men’s squash player and world ranked 24 Abhay Singh is set to return to action at the The Tuanku Muhriz Trophy, a PSA Challenger event in Malaysia this week. He is top seed in the men’s singles draw and has earned a first round bye. His second round tie will be played on Thursday. After the Asian Doubles Championships in June, Abhay had a slight niggle and has recovered from it.