Sourav Ghoshal is India’s national champion in Squash with a world rank of 27. At just the age of 21 he became an Arjuna Awardee. He has represented and won glory for India at the International stage especially at Doha Asian games where he won a bronze. He recently played against the top players at the SKY Open. In conversation with India’s No. 1, Sourav Ghoshal.
Jitesh: Sourav other than in elite circles, squash is not considered a natural inclination for an Indian kid even among the racquet sports. Do you think that is changing and what drew you towards the sport?
Sourav Ghoshal: Traditionally, squash has been considered an elitist sport but that is definitely changing. There are more kids playing all around the country. This has coincided with the top players doing well on the world stage and that success has brought in much needed enthusiasm amongst the children. Regarding myself, my dad used to play and I was hooked from the very beginning!
Sourav Ghoshal: Making great ground.
Jitesh: Tell us how are you fairing with your form? How was the experience in Sky Open 2010? Also, this is your highest ranking. Do you feel on top of your game?
Sourav Ghoshal: I’m pretty happy with my form over the last few months. I’ve been consistent and have beaten a few top 20 players as well. I feel good about my game at the moment and am working to move up to the next level. the SKY Open was a good event for me as I beat another top 20 player and then had a decent match with the then World no.1. As i said, this is probably the best i’ve ever played and the aim is to continue to improve on my current ranking of 26 which is almost my highest ever!
Jitesh: What would you call as the turning point of your career or do you think it is yet to come?
Sourav Ghoshal: I don’t think I can point towards one match that turned my career around. So, maybe it is yet to come! The important thing is to keep working hard and stay patient. My form today is a result of years of hard work.
Jitesh: Who do you think is currently the best player in the world, or the toughest opponent to play against in the world? And why?
Sourav Ghoshal: Nick Matthew is the world no.1 today and he totally deserves to be there. He has had a phenomenal year, losing only one match! So, he is the best player at the moment. However, I would say it is the toughest to play Ramy Ashour. He plays at such a high pace that it takes you one or two games just to get used to his pace. Also, he has unbelievable racket skill.
Jitesh: How big has been Cyrus Poncha’s role in your success?
Sourav Ghoshal: Cyrus Poncha played a major role in shaping my junior career. I won the British Junior Open when I trained under him. He is a very good motivator and both of us communicated really well. I think that was the key and as a result, we formed a successful partnership.
Jitesh: What about your Indian counterparts and colleagues – what do you think of the other Indian squash players?
Sourav Ghoshal: We are all working very hard and Indian squash is definitely looking up at the moment. Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal have been doing really well over the last few months and I’m sure there is a lot more to come from them. On the men’s side, Siddharth Suchde and Harinder Pal Singh are doing well alongwith a few others. Ofcourse, we cannot forget Ritwik Bhattacharya who showed everyone the way initially, including me, as to how to do the business on the professional circuit.
Eyes on the target, India's No.1 !
Jitesh: Now something personal, what sports do you follow or like to play other than squash? Any role models?
Sourav Ghoshal: I like playing badminton and cricket. I watch a lot of football and and an avid Manchester United fan. I love watching tennis also and am a big fan of Roger Federer. I greatly admire Sachin Tendulkar also.
Jitesh: What do you indulge in when at home and not training?
Sourav Ghoshal:I listen to a lot of music, watch movies, have recently started reading and play Fifa 10 on the Xbox .
Jitesh: Where do you see the future of squash in India?
Sourav Ghoshal: The future is looking bright for squash in India and it is in our hands to shape it in the best possible way. I hope this generation can produce a couple of top 10 players as that will go a long way in taking Indian squash to new heights and popularasing the sport at the national level.
Jitesh:The Commonwealth Games are to take place in India at Delhi, are you looking forward to be at the games?
Sourav Ghoshal: It is always an honour to represent India and with the Commonwealth Games being held in Delhi, there is added excitement. I really hope that I can win a medal for the country at the Games and make India proud!
Edited By: Arpit Kumar
