HCL National Squash Championships 2017: Joshna Chinappa opens up about her life outside the sport in interview

The HCL 74th National Squash Championships took place in Greater Noida in the last week of August and in the women's singles section, it was star player Joshna Chinappa, who took home the trophy. The top seed was in command throughout and was widely expected to lift her 15th national title, especially after Dipika Pallikal had to withdraw due to injury.

The 30-year-old would eventually go on to win the final, defeating Lakshya Ravendran in a hard-fought battle that ended 11-6, 8-11, 11-2, 11-4. She admitted after the final that it was not a cakewalk by any means and that she had to be at her very best to come out on top and win her 15th Nationals crown, which leaves her just one short of Bhuvneshwari Kumari's record 16 titles.

The gold medalist from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow recently rose to the World No. 12 rank and has her eyes set on winning medals at next year's Asian and Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Indonesia and Australia respectively.

Sportskeeda caught up with Chinappa for a short, candid chat at the Nationals, where she talked about her sporting idols, her hobbies and what sets her apart from the other players. Here are a few excerpts!

How has your experience been at the HCL National Championships this year?

As always, it was great fun participating at the Nationals. It was good to face off against some of the talented players who are coming up the ranks. To win 15 titles in a great feeling.

Do you feel there is something about your game that sets you apart from the other players on the circuit?

I would say that there's nothing in particular that stands out as such. As an athlete, my focus is on improving and becoming a better player. I don't compare myself with the others and look to work on my own game.

What was your inspiration behind taking up squash?

There is no single reason why I started playing squash but if I look back, a major inspiration has been my dad. I began playing because of him and he was my coach for a very long time.

There are other players and people as well who inspire me and I look up to.

And outside squash, who is your favourite sportsperson?

I think that would have to be PT Usha. I've always been greatly inspired by her. She has achieved so much and is still so humble and down to earth. It's amazing!

And what other hobbies do you have outside the sport?

Honestly, my routine is very hectic with my training and I don't get much time to pursue any hobbies. When I get time off, I like to sit back and relax.

Sometimes though, I do like to play other sports, such as badminton, when I get the chance to.