Egyptian coach Ashraf El Karargi has taken over the reins of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) from his predecessor and Dronacharya Award winner Cyrus Poncha. This change in personnel has come about with just a week to go for the World Junior Championship to be held in Poland’s Bielsko-Biala from August 7 to 16.
Egypt being a powerhouse at the sport, the new coach is expected to provide a timely boost for the junior squad whose best finish at the event happened in 2012 when they clinched a bronze medal.
England and France are the two other big names to watch out for the Indians in Poland. With a lot of expectations riding on their shoulders, podium finish remains the main target for them while the likelihood of winning their maiden gold isn’t being ruled out either.
Also Read: India's junior men's hockey team thrashes hosts England 7-1
The 51-year-old Karargi has expressed his confidence in the young players who he got a chance to observe after arriving at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai. In the game, India is represented by Velavan Senthilkumar, Abhay Singh, Aditya Raghavan and Ranjit Singh in the team as well as individual segments, Robin Singh and Aryaman Adik in boys’ singles and finally Akanksha Salunkhe, Sunayna Kuruvilla, Adiya Advani, Jui Kalgutkar and Ashita Bhengre in the girls’ competition.
