Training can be tough, exhausting but the end-result can be inspiring

These are difficult times for sportspersons in Chennai. The summer heat is still on and to exert in this can be energy-sapping straight away leave alone going through a contest. At the Indian Squash Academy indoors the air is conditioned to make things comfortable but only just, for as Nikita Joshi, one of the members of the Indian Squad for the forthcoming World junior championship put it, “it is tough.”

Joshi, Adya Advani, Harshit Kaur and Sunayna Kuruvilla, who all will all participate in the Eindhoven event next month, are in Chennai readying themselves for the tough competitions. “Any world-level, any international fixture, is a tough test on our skills and staying abilities,” said Adya, with a more practical understanding of the level of the competitions abroad.

Just into the Under-19 even though still well in her 17s, the Delhi native has played in competitions abroad. Although stepping onto a court overseas is not exactly a nerve-tester, Adya says the thought that one is in the midst of some of the best in the business can get into the mind. Having won four national titles in various age categories, the last being in the U-17 section, the 12^th standard student believes that such continental and regional competions are the key to making a player stronger and readying them for the professional circuit.

Even though her studies will demand much attention in this last year of schooling, Adya is confident of crossing the bridge quite comfortably.

Far more experienced in this world-level competition is Harshit Kaur, the current U-19 national champion. She also hails from Delhi but has decided to switch base to Chennai to hone her skills at the ISA. Having been to two earlier world championships, this rich talent is aware of what can be expected. Yet, as she put it, “it is a tough exercise.” A fairly good traveler abroad, Harshit is a great admirer of Nicole David, the world number one from Malaysia. “She is so humble. It is unbelievable,” she said. “One could freely discuss about the game with her, get tips and advice,” Harshit said of her experience meeting the senior pro. Nicole is her idol and aims to be one like her. Harshit believes the camp at the ISA, under the watchful eye of Major S. Maniam, the Consultant Coach of SRFI, will help in identifying the weak areas of a player and in strengthening stamina levels.

The daily routine is, as Major Maniam describes, aimed at raising the players’ abilities with special focus on game plan and shot selections and boosting fitness levels. Towards that end, the Consultant Coach has drawn out a schedule which leaves the player exhausted. “At the end of the programme you will see all of them fit and ready for action,” he assured.

This is what motivates Joshi. While she goes through various training methods in her home town Mumbai, her experience in Chennai has been somewhat of a revelation. “It may not be easy for me to shift to Chennai, but this kind of tough training once in a way is something I look forward to,” said the sprightly girl, who dreams of spending a few years in the professional circuit in the years to come.

A cousin of leading India player Dipika Pallikal, Kuruvilla, an alumna of Chennai’s Good Shepherd School, has strong faith in hard work. Balancing her squash training with her academics, Kuruvilla is no doubt inspired by her elder cousin.

Akanksha Salunkhe, of Goa, missed trials due to a bereavement in the family. It has otherwise been business as usual at the courts, with every player given no respite as demands of the schedule require extra effort. Major Maniam provides advice and encouragement as he keeps spirits high in the training sessions with his pep talk, laced with humour. Former junior squash hero Kush Kumar, who made history at the Namibia edition last year, visited students at the academy. He made history last year, becoming the first Indian man to earn a medal in the world championship.