THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Try a new game! Squash Academy run by the Kerala Police welcomes city residents to sweat it out in a new way.The academy set up as part of the 2015 National Games is planning different programmes to make the game popular in the capital. Currently, only Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have squash courts and training facilities.The squash academy in the capital, situated near the Chandrasekharan Nair stadium, offers training to children and elders.
Currently, there are around 75 trainees.
There are separate batches in the mornings and evenings. Trained coaches Muhammed Shafi and Sanal Kumar lead the sessions.The academy has pinned high hopes on its players who will represent the state in the U-19 national squash championship to be held at Ajmer in Rajasthan in October. Academy’s candidates will represent the state in both male and female categories.International squash player and coach Sammi Johns has joined the academy to train the championship players.
Seasoned players believe the game would get more takers in the state if awareness programmes are conducted. The game has already found place in Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. World Squash Federation and veteran players are lobbying for the game to be included in the Olympic Games.
The players said the game is sure to get more takers when it is included in Olympic Games. But, in their opinion, the state should not wait until that to groom talents. Early focus on the game will give rich dividends in future, they say.
Something about the game
Squash is a club sport played by two (singles) or four players (doubles). It is played in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. Players will alternate in striking the ball with racket and hit the ball onto the playable surfaces of the court’s four walls. Squash is played between two individuals (singles) or two teams of two (doubles). One player serves to start a rally. It proceeds until a player fails to hit the ball, hits the ball out or down before the ball bounces twice.
Develop Life skills
Forbes Magazine had rated squash as the healthiest sport in the world. the finding was based on interviews with exercise physiologists and trainers.
Squash Academy in Thiruvananthapuram has called for trainees. Contact academy’s coordinator Sooraj over 9946797022.