Parents want their children to realise the importance of time and not waste it in front of the computer or idiot box. This was exactly what Anaka Alankamony’s parents wanted, and they ended up nurturing a squash sensation. She started playing tennis when she was just six years old. Three years later when she wanted to shift to an indoor game, Alankamony discovered squash. The year 2005 proved to be a turning point — Alankamony had a hat trick of wins (Malaysian, Penang and Singapore Open). The high point in her career was being ranked No 2 in the world junior squash circuit earlier this year.
The 18-year-old considers her wins at Asian Junior Squash Championship, South Korea (2008), and Jordan (2011) as her biggest achievements. “My mother has always supported me even when others tried to put me down or scare me away,” says Alankamony.
Playing for the country is a big privilege, according to Alankamony, and she is all praise for her peers, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa. She attributes her success to Major Mannian, her regional coach and Cyrus, her national coach.
When it comes to academics, she is as determined as on the court. Though she missed school and her friends, college is a totally different scenario. A first-year student of computer science engineering at SSN College of Engineering, Alankamony is privileged to be surrounded by supportive professors, who have assured her to not worry about grades. “I train for more than four hours a day and am looking forward to play in the Asian and World Junior Championships, that will be held in June and July,” says Alankamony.
Nicole David, the current world No 1 in squash, is her inspiration. “I dream to be ranked one among the top 10 in the world,” signs off Alankamony.
- kaviya@newindianexpress.com