Squash News 2006

• Aditya breaks into top 10 of Nordic Junior Squash Super Series tournament in Malmo, Sweden (Article in Mid-day, Mumbai 9/10/2006)

• Joshna loses in final of WISPA Berkshire Open in Williamstown, Massachusetts.(Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 9/10/2006).  For more detail news and Photographs click here

• All play and all work (Article in Mid-day, Mumbai : 6/10/2006): click here for photograph

• Sweet 16 gift for Shivangi (Article in MID-DAY: 25/09/2006)

• Submit Joshna’s performance records, SAI tells SRFI (Article in times of india, mumbai : 21/09/2006)

• Neha calls the shots! (Article in Mid-day : 21/9/2006)

• Joshna-SRFI feud gets bitter (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 13/09/2006)

• Let’s squash these courtship rumours! (Article in Times of India (Bombay Times) : 11/09/2006)

• World Junior Men's Championships (Team Event / Individual Event)

• Dutch junior Open squash championship - Good Show by Deepika (Article in The Hindu - 17/07/2006)

• Ritwik squares up to tough challenge (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 5th August 2006)

• Joshna Chinappa stormed into the top 50 (Times of India, Mumbai : 13th July 2006) 

• Jhangra shines (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 24/7/06)

• Deepika wins Pioneer Junior Squash Cup at Germany 

• State open squash championship (The Hindu - 27/06/2006)

• David Romps To Qatar Airways Challenge Triumph In Hyderabad 

• Bhattacharya Celebrates Six Of The Best In Chennai (ICL Chennai Open Squash Championship) : 17/06/06

• Bollywood Acress-Neha Dhupia's new guy, Ritwik Bhattacharya — India’s No 1 squash player (Mid-day : 20/6/2006)

• Deerav Moolani Finishes in Top 8 at Penang Malaysia

• Ritwik loses in the quarterfinals of PSA Atlanta Squash Open (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 15/05/2006)

• Three tournaments in eight days ISP never had it so good - by P. Vijayakar (Article in www.squashsite.co.uk ) 

• Squash trainees have mums for company (Article in Mid-day, Mumbai 12/5/2006)

• On vacation with squash (Article in Mid-day, Mumbai 11/5/2006)

• Khalidbhai’s out with his first book (Pro-Squash correspondent PVJ Kar interviewed Khalid about his career)

• Ritwik Bhattacharya breaks into top-50 (Article in Mid-day, Mumbai : 6/5/06)

• Hyderabad to host WISPA's Qatar Airways Challenge

• Ritwik climbs up ratings (Article in Indian Express, Delhi : 3/5/2006)

• Ritwik in main draw (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 3/5/2006)

• Squash  boom  in  Mumbai (Mid-day : 11/04/2006)

• ‘The real mark of a sportsman is how good he is on a bad day’ (Times of India, Mumbai : 9/04/2006

• SRFI, a saga of autocracy (Mid-day, Mumbai : 23/3/2006 )

• SRFI squashes India’s chances at commonwealth games (Hindustan Times, Delhi : 10/3/2006)

• Gr8 women achievers 2006 announced....(Article in Gr8 Magazine March 2006)

• India in Asian Squash semis (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 28/02/2006)

• Manek Mathur propels Trinity to title (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 24/02/06)

• Joshna's target (Times of India, Mumbai : 23/02/06)

• Joshna-SRFI spat continues (Article in The Hindu, Chennai, India : 2/02/2006)

• The efforts of Indian Squash Professionals have borne fruit ...... (Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 20/01/2006) 

• Squashed between rock & a hard place (Article in Indian Express, Mumbai : 19/01/2006)

• ‘Sania Mirza is the Joshna Chinappa of tennis’ : Times of India, Bombay Times : 11/01/2006

• Ritwik – Saurav crash out of 3rd World Doubles Squash Championships in Melbourne (Times of India, Mumbai - 12/01/2006)

• Laxmi Mittal NGO Mittal Champion trust to invest 40 crore rupees in India (Joshna Chinappa 1st beneficiary)

• An interview with Ashish Law a squash lover from USA

Chotrani ki love story
 Article in Mid-day :  January 8, 2007

Back with a bang
 Article in Mid-day : December 19, 2006

'I want to die on the squash court'
 Article in Mid-day : December 16, 2006 

Malu Divecha If one wants to learn how to live life to the fullest there’s no better teacher than Malu Divecha. The 78-year-old has been religiously playing squash for 40 years now. Despite her doctor and her physician asking her to give it up due to the sheer intensity of the game, Divecha is present on the Wellington Club courts every morning at 7.30. “I have no heart problems or any other physical problems then why should I give it up? Yes, I do have arthritis but that’s definitely not because of squash,” says Divecha Daddy’s girl Divecha says it was her father, the late Dr M Venkatrao, who instilled in her the importance of exercise from a very early age. “He used to say, ‘You should not forget to exercise the same way you do not forget to eat food’.” Divecha took up squash, as not many badminton courts were available when she started out. And it’s been no looking back since then. “I just love the game. It kind of gives you a high. But, I play a very simple game with the marker due to my age,” adds Divecha, who has been featured by Usha Puri in her book, 12 Cosmic Laws simply for enjoying life with endless zest. Take it easy Besides squash, Divecha swims every alternate day depending on the weather, practices yoga and pranayam, attends meditation camps, runs pottery classes and has a successful catering business. Divecha has never played professional squash and has only participated in inter-club tournaments. However, she is pretty aware of how the sport is faring in the country. “More and more children are taking to squash today and why not it’s a beautiful game. However, the kids should not get carried away as it is a taxing game.” Signing off Divecha’s parting shot too spells the passion she has for the game. “I want to die on the squash court. I can’t ask for a better death,” says Divecha.

Asian Games 2006, Doha

Hum main hain dum!
Article in Mid-day : December 13, 2006 

DOHA: Indian squash made history yesterday, with Saurav Ghosal becoming the first ever Indian to be on course for a medal in the sport at the Asian Games. In his quest, Ghosal beat countrymate Ritwik Bhattacharya in the quarter-final and is now assured of at least a bronze. However, India’s top two seeds believe this is just the beginning.
Ill-fated collision

“Another couple of years and we will be in the top 20 squash players of the world,” Bhattacharya, who is currently ranked 45 in the world, told MiD DAY at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday.

He went down 1-3 (9-4, 9-0, 6-9, 9-7) to Ghosal in what was an “unfortunate” collision of both Indians in the penultimate stage of the tournament. “It’s so unfortunate that we had to play each other in the quarters. If not then at least one of us would have a better chance of going for the silver or maybe even the gold,” said Ghosal.

No coaches

However, Bhattacharya feels Indian squash can only go ahead from here. “We may not have too many courts back home to practice on right now, but they are coming up in quite a few places across India, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. The current problem however is a dearth of proper coaches in India. That’s an area we must improve on,” said Bhattacharya.

Another factor that could help Indian squash improve is increased interaction with neighbours Pakistan, who have a rich history, when it comes to producing world class squash players like the Jehangir and the Jamsher Khans. “There should be more tournaments between India and Pak. This exchange of ideas and strategies will benefit both countries,” said Bhattacharya.

No pressure

Meanwhile, Ghosal desperately wants to win his semi-final match against top seed Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia, who is currently ranked 18 in the world and has a career best ranking of 7. “Hee is a very good player. Though I go into the match without any pressure, as he is the top seed, I would like to win here. It will be the best thing to happen to Indian squash,” added Ghosal.

Source : http://www.mid-day.com/sports/international/2006/december/148377.htm 

Pre-Quarters Results :

Ritwik Bhattacharya (Ind) Vs Alwis Eranga Nuwan Alwis (Sri) 3-0
Wee Sharon Ee Lin (Mas) Vs Kuok Chi Leng Joyce (Mac) 3-0
Samarasinghe Navin (Sri) Vs Khan Aamir (Pak) 0-3
Al Ramezi Ali Bader (Kuw) Vs Ngan Lun Cheung Roger (Hkg) 3-2
Chinappa Joshana (Ind) Vs Ahn Eun Tschan (Kor) 3-1
Wong Wai Hang (Hkg) Vs Sun Kin Peng (Mac) 3-0
Kim Dong Woo (Kor) Vs Ghosal Saurav (Ind) 0-3
Guruge Tehani (Sri) Vs Matsui Chinatsu (Jpn) 0-3
Espinola Ricky (Phi) Vs Zaman Mansoor (Pak) 0-3
Wu Zhenzhen (Chn) Vs Chiu Wing Yin (Hkg) 0-3
Iskandar Mohamad Azlan (Mas) Vs Kim Sung Young (Kor) 3-0

States up against national squash body
Article in Mid-day : November 18, 2006

Mumbai-based squash coach A I Singh has, along with seven state associations, sent a writ petition to the Union of India and the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SRFI) seeking an explanation for the alleged mismanagement of the game in the country.

Not enough

Singh, a highly qualified coach, has also sent the petition to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), demanding why enough was not being done to oversee the administration of squash besides training and harnessing talent.

“Should the government not uproot nepotism, corruption and politics on sports?” the petition read.

The petitioners decried the “all too familiar story of politicians and other non sportsman playing politics with sports institutions”.

They also questioned the position of SRFI secretary general N Ramachandran, whose company India Cements Ltd had “usurped control of the National Academy, compromised the coaches and took over the Federation, disaffiliated other associations not to his liking, amended bye-laws of the federation’s constitution for hijacking the federation, then promoted individuals of lesser merit, kept back, obstructed and harassed the brightest players of India”.

Request

The petition also requests the government of India to “immediately intervene inter alia, by acting on various reports made by the government observer, Brigadier Raj Manchanda, to the Government of India; take cognisance of various newspaper articles and complaints filed by several affected parties to it”.

Examples of top players like Joshna Chinappa and Amitoj Inder Singh being sidelined from selections, banned or prevented from attending courses or tournaments have been highlighted in the petition.

Ritwik leads pack at WI squash
(Article in Mid-day, October 25, 2006)

Joshna’s challenge

Chennai-based Joshna Chinappa, who is the defending champion, will face competition from India No 2 and European No 1 Dipika Pallikal, also from Chennai.

The draws have been made on the lines of world-body Professional Squash Association (PSA) draws.

The winner’s purse of Rs 75,000 is the largest in the tournament’s history. The tournament also has a new sponsor in Indiabulls Lifebuoy from the Hindustan Lever stable continues its support.

Anil Nayar, after whom the CCI squash courts are named, will be in Mumbai and is likely to conduct a clinic for the juniors on the morning of the finals on Sunday, November 4.

Source: http://ww3.mid-day.com/sports/national/2006/october/145489.htm 

Ritwik goes down fighting in Hong Kong Open
(Article in Mid-day, October 19, 2006)

India’s top-ranked squash player Ritwik Bhattacharya went out fighting in the first round of the prestigious Hong Kong Open yesterday.

The world number 43 went down in four games 5-11, 4-11, 12-10, 5-11 to world number 11, Egyptian Karim Darwish. The London-based Bhattacharya had fought valiantly against Aaron Franckomb of Australia to qualify for the main draw.

“I let him get away to big leads in practically every game and that proved to be costly in the end,” Bhattacharya said.

Results as on 19/10/2006

[1] Amr Shabana (Egy) bt Mohammed Abbas (Egy) 11/5, 10/11(0-2), 11/5, 11/6 (37m)
[6] Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt [16] Adrian Grant (Eng) 11/10(2-0), 11/3, 3/11, 7/11, 11/10(3-1) (146m)
[4] James Willstrop (Eng) bt [Q] Alister Walker (Eng) 11/10(3-1), 11/6, 11/7 (41m)
[9] Karim Darwish (Egy) bt [5] Anthony Ricketts (Aus) 9/11, 11/8, 11/9, 11/8 (54m)
Peter Barker (Eng) bt [8] Lee Beachill (Eng) 11/9, 11/10(2-0), 11/7 (41m)
Ramy Ashour (Egy) bt [3] Thierry Lincou (Fra) 11/8, 2/11, 11/7, 11/10(5-3) (51m)
[12] Stewart Boswell (Aus) bt [7] Nick Matthew (Eng) 9/11, 11/3, 11/9, 9/11, 11/9 (80m)
[2] David Palmer (Aus) bt [15] Wael El Hindi (Egy) 2/11, 11/9, 11/4, 11/10(3-1) (67m)
[1] Nicol David (Mas) bt [16] Annelize Naude (Ned) 9/2, 9/3, 9/0 (18m)
[8] Madeline Perry (Irl) bt Dominique Lloyd-Walter (Eng) 9/2, 9/0, 9/3 (33m)
[3] Rachael Grinham (Aus) bt [14] Engy Kheirallah (Egy) 4/9, 9/2, 9/6, 6/9, 9/2 (83m)
[9] Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy) bt [6] Jenny Duncalf (Eng) 9/3, 9/5, 9/5 (36m)
[5] Vicky Botwright (Eng) bt [13] Rebecca Chiu (Hkg) 9/3, 10/8, 9/4 (41m)
[4] Natalie Grinham (Aus) bt [10] Alison Waters (Eng) 6/9, 9/4, 6/9, 9/7, 9/3 (102m)
[7] Tania Bailey (Eng) bt [12] Shelley Kitchen (Nzl) 9/6, 9/2, 9/2 (41m)
[2] Vanessa Atkinson (Ned) bt [11] Laura Lengthorn (Eng) 7/9, 5/9, 9/4, 10/8, 9/2 (68m)

Aditya breaks into top ten
Mid Day : October 9, 2006 

Aditya Jagtap

Aditya Jagtap clinched the Nordic Junior Squash Super Series tournament in Malmo, Sweden recently. In the final played early this month, the 14-year-old defeated second seed Nicholas Hopcroft of England 9-2, 9-6, 9-1.  Aditya’s first win on the European Circuit saw him breaking into the top ten of the European Squash Federation Ranking.  En route the title, Aditya accounted for top seed Tim van der Pluijm (Holland) 9-0, 9-0, 9-2, fifth seed Ryan Whitley of England 9-2, 9-1, 9-0 and No 3 seed Daniel Mekbib (Czech Republic) 9-10, 9-4, 9-2, 9-0.

Joshna loses in final:
Article in Times of India : 9th October 2006

Joshna Chinappa tripped at the final hurdle of the WISPA Berkshire Open in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Top seed Sharon Wee of Malaysia crushed Joshna 9-4 9-0 9-4 in the final on Saturday. The Indian had upset No.6 seed Dianne Desira in the semifinals.

All play and all work...
Mid-day :  October 6, 2006 

“I take it season-wise. When the exams round the corner, I leave the racket to concentrate on studies and vice versa,” said Naishad, who will turn 18 next month. “I am very choosy about the tournaments too.”

At the moment, the first year BCom student in HR College will get back to studies to crack the SAT exams and get into a reputed American University. “I am applying for various streams and am working hard. I hope I can get a scholarship on the basis of my achievements in squash,” said Colaba resident.

“I will be back to squash for the national tournament on October 25 and then an inter-stater.”

Yesterday, he spanked Calcutta University skipper Rishabh Mundra 3-0 (9-2, 9-0 and 9-0) to help Mumbai University to a 3-0 win over Calcutta in the round robin league of Tri-University squash tournament sponsored by HR College at the Mumbai Police Gymkhana.

Results

Pune Varsity bt Madras Varsity 3-0; Mumbai Varsity bt Calcutta Varsity 3-0; Mumbai Varsity bt Madras Varsity 3-0

Sweet 16 gift for Shivangi
MID-DAY: September 25, 2006 

WHAT more could Shivangi Paranjpe have expected on her 16th birthday, which she celebrated in apt fashion yesterday?

The top seed defeated second seed Harita Omprakash of Chennai 6-9, 10-8, 9-2, 9-5 to clinch the girls’ under-19 SKF-Little Masters All India junior squash title at Willingdon Sports Club on Saturday.

Birthday wish 

“I have been trying to win this title for three years and finally achieved it. The win was extra special because it came on a very special day,” said Shivangi, who pursed Rs 18,000.

Perfectionist that she is, the under-17 India No 2 was not satisfied with her performance in the summit clash. “I did not play to my best ability. I committed many unforced errors,” Shivangi said.

“I took Harita lightly. But then, I had always won against her — on three occasions now,” she said.

Shivangi was also suffering from a hamstring injury, which made it difficult for her to move on the court. “I suffered the injury a week ago during a National squash tournament in Jaipur. But that’s not an excuse. I should be more serious,” she said.

Living in Churchgate, Shivangi has been playing squash for three years and has been winning a significant number of titles.

Some include the Maharashtra State Squash Open, The Otter’s Open, Western India Squash Tournament and the Khar Gymkhana inter-school squash open.

National target

“My main aim is to win a National tournament, which I am trying really hard to do. I have already started working on my fitness which is not my strength,” Shivangi said.

She also thanked her elder sister Madhura for keeping her on her toes. “My sister was always my biggest competitor. I have played most of my finals against her. Though she has given up the sport to prepare for her Class XII exams, it is because of her that I am playing good squash,” said the commerce student from HR College.

Submit Joshna’s performance records, SAI tells SRFI 

Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 22/09/06

New Delhi: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has taken note of Joshna Chinappa’s allegations that the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SRFI) is not interested in sending the best teams for overseas competitions, including the Doha Asian Games in December.

On Wednesday, in a meeting convened by its director general Ratan Wattal, SAI “instructed’’ the SRFI secretary N Ramachandran to submit all the records pertaining to Chinappa’s recent performances and results.

Ranked 54 in the world, Joshna had recently expressed concern that she might be left out of the Indian squad for the Doha Asian Games.

In fact, the animosity between the federation and her had been hogging limelight for some time now with the star player slamming the federation for its strange selection procedure.

At the other end, Ramachandran had insisted that the federation did all that it could to help Chinappa.

In a recent interview with TOI Joshna had said that SRFI made it impossible for her to train at the Chennai academy. Moreover, at the recent selection trials for Colombo South Asian Games and Asian Games, she was asked to report to Delhi while the rest of the players reported to the national coach at Chennai.

Neha calls the shots!

Article in Mid-day : 20/9/2006

Squash champ Ritwik Bhattacharya's voice has turned hoarse screaming, " didn't follow Neha (Dhupia) to Dubai."

Nevertheless, he followed her to Bangalosre and the 'we're-just-friends' couple paraded around a city mall after "living in each other's pockets"

Intrestingly, both are endorsing Police and they simple had to flaunt pieces from the new range of accessories. This time around, the otherwise simple sportsman spiked his hair and put on some lip-glass. Needless to say, Neha dahling insisted on that. Well, that's the price you pay for being former Miss India-turned-actress's man.

Joshna-SRFI feud gets bitter
Article in Times of India : 13th September 2006

New Delhi: Hostilities between SRFI and Joshna Chinappa have taken on a personal hue with N Ramachandran, secretary general of the Squash Rackets Federation of India, choosing to launch a personal attack on Joshna while trying to defend the federation’s ‘ill-treatment’ of the five-times national champion and India No.1.

“I have nothing to say about Joshna. She’s a liar and highly indisciplined. She has been making up stories. She wrote to the sports ministry that Cyrus Poncha (SRFI coach) wasn’t her coach and now no SRFI coach wishes to help her. She may just turn around and say that the coach made a pass at her,’’ was Ramachandran’s belligerent response when queried on Joshna’s persecution by SRFI.

Though the SFRI honchos are keen to make the issue all about Joshna’s refusal to accept Poncha as her coach, the problems go far back. Ramachandran was unwilling to discuss the 1999 court case filed against SRFI by Joshna’s father Anjan. “We have a lot of problems with her. I would’ve to look into the records which one you’re talking about,’’ he reacted.

Ramachandran maintained that the federation did all that it could to help Joshna but the newly crowned national champion chose to distance herself from the SRFI. “After January 2005, Joshna hasn’t trained at the India Cements Squash Academy in Chennai. Whatever the federation has to do, we do. It looks at the overall situation where a player has to train and what are his/her needs. Joshna refused to attend training sessions. Even when she was training at the academy, she said that she wasn’t. Just because you’re India No.1 doesn’t mean that you can behave like this,’’ was Ramachandran’s defence.

Joshna, in a recent interview with TOI, had said that SRFI made it impossible for her to train at the Chennai academy. Ramachandran went on to say that Joshna never asked for any assistance from the federation or inquired about any training stints abroad. “She never wrote to us regarding any of those issues.’’

The SRFI secretary-general’s remarks seem misplaced in the light of correspondence between Joshna and the SRFI in February 2005 (in possession of TOI) in which Joshna has specifically inquired where SRFI intends to send her for ‘overseas attachment and training.’ Also mentioned in the letters by Joshna is that the SRFI never once sponsored Joshna in any event and incentives, which were duly hers, were not extended to her.

The rift may widen but it’s the game that is certainly suffering.

No info on Asian Games, says Joshna    

Continuing her tirade against the SRFI, Joshna Chinappa on Tuesday said that SRFI was not interested in sending the best Indian teams for overseas competitions. “The Doha Asian Games are approaching fast but I am still to receive any communication from SRFI,” she said in Jaipur. “I am continuing with my preparations because right now Asian Games are my first priority. But selection methods have been strange.” AGENCIES

Let’s squash these courtship rumours! 
Article in Times of India (Bombay Times) : 11/09/2006 

Squash champ Ritwik Bhattacharya is raring to go. But it is excellence in squash he is aspiring for, not ‘good friend’ Neha Dhupia

PIYALI DASGUPTA

South Asian Games Squash Championship, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Zaman & Chinappa Retain South Asian Games Titles

Pakistan's Mansoor Zaman and India's Joshna Chinappa successfully defended their squash titles in the South Asian Games at the Gymkhana Club in Sri Lanka's largest city Colombo.

Left-hander Zaman, the world No28 from Peshawar, faced 16-year-old compatriot Aamir Atlas Khan in the final after both players beat 3/4 seeds from India - Harinder Pal Sandhu and Gaurav Nandrajog, respectively - in the semi-finals.

Second seed Khan shocked his more experienced top-seeded opponent by taking a 2/1 lead in the final – but Zaman regained his composure to win 9-5, 7-9, 4-9, 9-2, 9-0 to retain the title he won two years ago in Islamabad, in his home country.

In the women's final, 19-year-old Joshna Chinappa from Chennai took on 14-year-old rising star Dipika Pallikal, also from Chennai.  The two top-seeded Indians had overcome their anticipated opponents – Sri Lankan 3/4 seeds, sisters Tehani Guruge and Nirasha Guruge – in the previous round.

Favourite Chinappa was too strong for Pallikal in the final, winning 9-6, 9-6, 9-1.

Women's Final:
[1] Joshna Chinappa (IND) bt [2] Dipika Pallikal (IND)    9-6, 9-6, 9-1
Men's  Final:
[1] Mansoor Zaman (PAK) bt [2] Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK)      9-5, 7-9, 4-9, 9-2, 9-0

Men's  Semi-finals:
[1] Mansoor Zaman (PAK) bt [3/4] Harinder Pal Sandhu (IND)   9-0, 9-2, 9-2
[2] Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK) bt [3/4] Gaurav Nandrajog (IND)   9-2, 9-3, 9-3

 Women's Semi-finals:
[1] Joshna Chinappa (IND) bt [3/4] Tehani Guruge (SRI)   9-3, 9-0, 9-5
[2] Dipika Pallikal (IND) bt [3/4] Nirasha Guruge (SRI)   9-7, 9-6, 9-3

Dutch junior Open squash championship
Good show by Dipika
The Hindu (17th July 2006)

Chennai: India's Dipika Pallikal won the Dutch junior Open squash championship in the girls' under-15 category, beating Nouran Alaa El Torky 9-6, 9-4, 9-3, in the final, at Amsterdam, on Sunday.

Not dropping a game in the entire tournament, the top seed defeated Heng Yi Liam (9-0, 9-1, 9-4), Wee Nee Low (9-0, 9-3, 9-4), Yan Xin Tan (10-8, 9-7, 9-3) and Vidya Rajan (10-8, 9-7, 9-5) before prevailing in the final.

The victory makes it a hat-trick for the 14-year-old, who had earlier won the title in 2004 (under-13) and 2005 (under-15).

16-July, Final results :

B13: [33] Afeeq Abedeen (Pak) bt [34] Ahmed Khalik (Mas) 9/7, 9/3, 9/4

B15: [45] Amr Khalid Khalifa  (Egy) bt [43] Omar Mohei (Egy)  9/7, 9/7, 9/0

B17: [10] Andrew Wagih (Egy) bt [12] Neil Cordell (Eng)  9/3, 9/0, 9/1

B19: [61] Mohammed Kamash (Egy) bt [2] Petr Martin (Cze) 9/1, 9/0, 9/1

G13: [12] Kanzy El Dafrawy (Egy) bt [11] Salma Hatem (Egy) 9/3, 9/3, 9/3

G15: [1] Dipika Pallikal (Ind) bt [10] Nouran El Torky (Egy)  9/6,9/4,9/3

G17: [5] Heba El Torky (Egy) bt [33] Rachael Goh (Mas)  9/1, 10/8, 4/9

G19: [1] Camille Serme (Fra) bt [31] Annie Au (Hkg) 9/1, 9/4, 9/0

Ritwik squares up to tough challenge

Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 5th August 2006      

Mumbai: Otters Club’s first president was film star Dilip Kumar in 1989. So it should be no surprise that stars should descend on the club.

The latest bunch will be the ones from squash which has made the club famous with national and junior champs coming to the fore. The players in the No. 35-plus bracket will play in the $10,000 One Star Professional Squash Association event to be held there from August 8 to 13.

The star attraction will be Dan Jenson, of Australia, who is currently ranked 35. He was world No. 4 at one time. Said Indian title aspirant Ritwik Bhattacharya about Jenson: “He was No. 12 not long ago. He belongs to a higher group but a spate of injuries has set him back. We will have to watch out for him.’’

Asked about the struggle on the circuit, Bhattacharya said: “It’s not just about talent and hard work. It’s about keeping notes about your rivals. I now keep a little book and note down every point and refer to it while planning my strategy the next time around. Indians can do well on the circuit if they put their thinking caps on.’’

Jenson should be meeting Bhattacharya in the final for the Indian star is the nexthighest ranked player at 43. Other overseas players are : Among the Indian qualifiers are Siddharth Suchde, Harinder Pal Sandhu, Supreet Singh and Pakistanis Yasin Amjad and Ali Raza .

Dipika Pallikal wins Pioneer Open
12/07/2006 : DNA  

NEW DELHI: Dipika Pallikal has won the Pioneer Open junior squash event in Cologne, Germany, after beating W. Low of Malaysia in straight sets 9-4, 9-3, 9-6.

Dipika was the top seed going into tournament and didn't lose a set all week.

The European and Asian ranked No. 1 junior player will next play in the Dutch Open at Amsterdam.

Nicol downs Rachael to clinch title

The Hindu : 10/07/2006 

HYDERABAD: World champion Nicol David of Malaysia reasserted her class with a clinical demolition of defending champion Rachael Grinham of Australia 4-9, 9-5, 9-0, 9-0 in just under 45 minutes in the final of the Qatar Challenge 2006 WISPA squash tournament here on Sunday.

It was a performance befitting the magnificent setting with the squash courts set up in the foreground of the historic Falaknuma Palace.

Once again, Nicol demonstrated her capability to bounce back after conceding the first game. After levelling the game at one-all, she reeled off 24 points without conceding in the last three games. In the process, she also increased her head-to-head record against Rachael to 7-5 in 12 meetings.

At the start, Rachael looked to rely more on her backhand and preferred to make optimum use of the wall on the left to be in a better position. Quickly jumping into a 6-2 lead, she surely looked more agile.

And to her delight, Nicol made a mess of some simple backhand drops and also conceded strokes at crucial moments.

Soon, the contest saw a couple of long rallies and when Nicol ended one of them with a delectable drop to reduce the lead to 3-7, it did look like she was back in her elements. But Rachael had other intentions and wrapped up the game 9-4 in 17 minutes.

Nicol was soon leading in the second game after overcoming the 3-5 deficit. The game was marred by a five-minute break after the power went off.

Nicol opted to come up with a combination of delectable drops and powerful forehand strokes, which pushed Rachael to the backcourt.

With the Australian unable to pick some of the deep returns, Nicol gleefully placed sure winners. Suddenly, Rachael looked jaded and missed some easy scoring opportunities, which saw Nicol clinch the game in style.

Spurred by her strong showing, Nicol moved into top gear and started to toy with her opponent and soon clinched the game 9-0 in seven minutes.

In the fourth game, Nicol was on a roll. When Rachael hit a deep return out, it was an apt climax to a magnificent fightback by the World champion.

Nicol was richer by $6,500 after the win.

Results : Nicol David bt Rachael Grinham 4-9, 9-5,9-0,9-0 in 54 mins

Joshna Chinappa stormed into the top 50
Times of India : 13th July 2006

Jhangra shines
Article in Times of India : 24/7/06

India commenced their hunt for honours on a good note beating Zimbabwe in straight games in their first pool match of the 14th World Junior Men’s Squash Championship in Palmerston North, New Zealand. After Sandeep Jangra crafted a 9-6 9-1 9-5 win over Deepesh Patel in the first singles, Delhi’s Harinderpal Singh of the India Cements Squash Academy disposed of Ahmed Hassan 9-2 9-5 9-6, while another Delhi-based player Naresh Kumar completed the tally with a superb 9-4 9-1 9-0 win over Zardeen Wasir.

Atkinson loses chance to reach #1 this month

Vanessa Atkinson's bid to clinch the world number one ranking for the first time next month took a dramatic knock in Doha when she crashed out of the second round of the Women's Qatar Airways Squash Challenge. The second seed and defending champion was beaten in straight games by 14th seed Tania Bailey, giving the Englishwoman from Lincolnshire her best result for more than two years.

Though the result is a major upset, Bailey is on the comeback road trying to regain the form that had placed her two years ago in the top five of the world. Though some of the result may be blamed on a letdown and self-pressure on the part of Atksinson, Bailey is totally capable of playing at this level.

Atkinson, the world champion from the Netherlands, arrived in Qatar's capital city having suffered only one defeat so far this year. Her victory earlier this month in the Texas Open took the 29-year-old from The Hague to the top of the provisional world rankings - with a reasonable performance in the Qatar Airways Challenge certain to seal her status.

"I think I put too much pressure on myself for this tournament," said the Dutch star to the press after her shock 9-1 9-5 9-5 defeat in 43 minutes. "I went on quite relaxed, but as soon as we started playing, I started panicking. I was not thinking about the game enough, I was too busy panicking... I was concentrating too much on the result, and not enough on the game.

"I'm tired, I need a rest I think, so at least, I'll be able to do that now!" conceded the beaten champion.

It was a commendable triumph for Bailey, the 25-year-old former world junior champion from Stamford who has been beset by a series of injuries and illnesses over the past few years. "The pressure was all on her I guess, and that made a big difference. I was moving well today, much better than yesterday. She has got a great front court game, but thankfully today, I was able to get to it much quicker than normal," said the delighted winner.

"I'm so pleased to play at that kind of level again. Since my year off because of my health, I've been struggling with my fitness and with my confidence. For the past months, I've put a lot of effort into getting my fitness back, so this victory will do my confidence a hell of a lot of good!"

Bailey will now meet compatriot Vicky Botwright for a place in the last four. The seventh seed from Manchester triumphed 6-9 9-6 9-2 9-7 in 52 minutes over France's 16th seed Isabelle Stoehr.

Event favourite Rachael Grinham now has the chance to rescue her world ranking supremacy. The 28-year-old Australian cruised to a 9-1 9-4 9-4 win in 26 minutes over Hong Kong's Asian Games champion Rebecca Chiu - and must now beat England's fifth seed Linda Elriani to keep alive her hopes of extending her world number one ranking into a tenth successive month.

Calculations suggest that a place in the final would achieve this for the Queenslander, who will now hope to repeat her victory over Elriani at the same stage of the tournament little more than twelve months ago.

RESULTS: Women's Qatar Airways Squash Challenge, Doha, Qatar

2nd round:
[1] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt [15] Rebecca Chiu (HKG) 9-1, 9-4, 9-4 (26m)
[5] Linda Elriani (ENG) bt [12] Fiona Geaves (ENG) 9-0, 9-2, 9-4 (25m)
[4] Nicol David (MAS) bt [10] Shelley Kitchen (NZL) 5-9, 9-3, 9-6, 9-0 (46m)
[11] Madeline Perry (IRL) bt Tamsyn Leevey (NZL) 9-4, 9-2, 9-4 (35m)
[6] Natalie Grainger (USA) bt [13] Annelize Naude (NED) 9-3, 9-0, 9-4 (24m)
[3] Natalie Grinham (AUS) bt [9] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 9-5, 9-0, 9-2 (29m)
[7] Vicky Botwright (ENG) bt [16] Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) 6-9, 9-6, 9-2, 9-7 (52m)
[14] Tania Bailey (ENG) bt [2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) 9-1, 9-5, 9-5 (43m)

Source : http://www.squashtalk.com/html/news/april05/news05-4-154.htm 

17/06/2006

ICL Chennai Open Squash Championship, ICL Squash Academy, Chennai, India

Bhattacharya Celebrates Six Of The Best In Chennai

Local hero Ritwik Bhattacharya beat Dutchman Dylan Bennett in the final of the 4th ICL Chennai Open Squash Championship at the ICL Squash Academy in Chennai, India, to notch up his sixth PSA Tour title win in six finals. It was a fairly one-sided match – Bennett seemingly affected by his semi-final match 24 hours earlier. But defending champion Bhattacharya, the 26-year-old second seed from New Delhi, was in fine form as he raced to his 11-4, 11-2, 11-7 victory in 25 minutes. "This is the first time I have seen Ritwik play so very well," said Major Maniam, Consultant Coach of the Squash Rackets Federation of India.  "His length was crisp and penetrating and his drops were absolutely devastating.  He managed to control his opponent with medium-paced drives, excellent lobs and killer drops.  Overall, the match was a pleasure to watch."

The SRFI is planning to host a bigger event next year in the event's fifth year.  "The 2006 event has been a successful tournament," said a spokesman for the championship.  "The SRFI gave Ritwik a financial incentive as he broke into the top 50 two months ago."

Final:
[2] Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt [3] Dylan Bennett (NED)     11-4, 11-2, 11-7 (25m)

Semi-finals:
[3] Dylan Bennett (NED) bt [6] Majid Khan (PAK)   11-4, 11-8, 10-11 (1-3), 11-7 (54m)
[2] Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt [4] Saurav Ghosal (IND)      8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 (55m)

Quarter-finals:
[6] Majid Khan (PAK) bt [1] Khayal Muhammad Khan (PAK)  11-10 (2-0), 8-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-5
[3] Dylan Bennett (NED) bt [8] Wai Hang Wong (HKG)   11-4, 11-8, 10-11 (0-2), 11-7
[4] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt [7] Tom Richards (ENG)    6-11, 11-7, 11-10 (7-5), 11-5
[2] Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt [5] Yasir Butt (PAK)    9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3

For more news click below :

Neha Dhupia's new guy
Mid-day : June 20, 2006

Two close: Neha Dhupia at the IIFA Awards in Dubai Neha Dhupia has just returned from a whirlwind tour of Dubai, Delhi and Bangalore for shows and promotion of her last film, Chup Chup Ke. But the buzz on everybody’s lips is — who was the guy with her at IIFA in Dubai. According to whispers, it was Ritwik Bhattacharya — India’s No 1 squash player. ‘Neha dating Ritwik’ Says an actress who was with Neha at her show in Kolkata, three months ago. “Neha is very much dating Ritwik and they are pretty much serious about each other. It’s a known fact. In fact, they began dating each other around six months ago, soon after she broke up with Bunty Sachdev. Ritwik had even come to meet her backstage after the show. Neha admitted to us that she was seeing him. Maybe, she doesn’t want to talk about her relationship to the media as she has recently signed two big projects with Sanjay Gupta and a few more and she wants to keep her personal life in low-profile. Also, Neha has never liked talking about her personal life.” Pocket pals We catch up with a sleepy Neha, who has just returned from an early morning shoot. When we asked her about Ritwik, her reply was predictable, “Ritwik and I have known each other for the last 10 years. I won’t deny that he’s a very good friend and I am not as close to anybody else as I am to Ritwik. We are so close that we live in each other’s pockets, but right now, I can’t comment beyond that.” Cross courting: Ritwik Bhattacharya. Pic: Shadab Khan Ek jaise The duo share similar interests and even their families know each other well, and Neha endorses that, “We both love travelling and know each other really well. Our families know each other inside out and we even go to the same club together. Ritwik is an adorable guy and a wonderful human being. We have seen each other dating others. I hang out with him more than anybody else and we are really close, but dating means a serious commitment. Both of us don’t have time to have a serious relationship. I have signed many new films while Ritwik is busy with his games and travelling all over the world.” Main aur cynical? Apparently, Ritwik accompanied her to Dubai for the IIFA awards. People saw her asking others, “Has anybody seen my boyfriend?” Neha prefers denial mode again though she admits “two friends” accompanied her. “But I can’t tell you who they are,” she smiles. The actress claims that her split with previous boyfriend Bunty Sachdev hasn’t made her cynical about love? “Oh no! Not at all!” Neha exclaims hastily. “In fact, I am very excited and happy. There is so much to do…”

Asian Jr. Individual Championships 2006

By Pradeep Vijayakar

There was something for all the squash giants of Asia when the Masonry Asian Juniors Championship ended in Singapore. Instead of every two years the Asian Juniors individual championships will be held every year. They began withunder-19 and 15 groups. A total of 8 countries with 80 participants took part. India had 16 players.

India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Hong Kong had one title each.

In 2005 when Chennai hosted the team and individual event Joshna Chinappa had claimed the under-19 girls title beating Annie Au. Dipika Pallikal gave a hint she could follow in Joshna's footsteps when claiming the under-15 title.

Her superb basic shots like the lengths and cross court volley drops saw her brush off the top seed from Hong Kong Tong Tsz Wing in forty minutes. Dipika thanked her sponsors Wilson and Globo Sports and coaches Cyrus Poncha and Maj Maniam.

In Chennai last year Pakistani Amir Atlas had claimed the under-19 title beating Saurav Ghoshal. His younger brother, Danish, hinted he may follow in his footsteps when claimed the under-15 title beating compatriot Sheikh Salqib.

India ended with one gold and two bronze through Anwesha Reddy (u-15) and Ravi Dixit (boys u-15).

It was a pity the other Indians fell by the wayside in the last eight. They were Ramit Tandon (boys u-15), Harinderpal Sandhu and Sandeep Jangra (both boys u-19) who all lost in five-setters. Harinderpal's strokeplay and retrieving was in vain as some good nicks by Hong Kong's Leo Au Chun the Eventual runner-up saw him come from 0-2 down to clinch the match.Jangra was leading 2-1 but made mistakes in the fourth game against Malaysian Ivan Yuen who made the semis.

Ramit was up against a taller opponent Malaysia's Cheong Kah Wah and struggled to pick up his drops.

Anaka Alankamony, who recently won the Malaysian Junior Open, was the youngest participant of this event.

Final Results :

Boys U-19: Max Lee Ho Yin (HKG) beat (5/8) Leo Au Chun Ming (HKG) 9-6, 9-6, 10-8 
Boys U-15: (2) Danish Atlas (PAK) beat (1) Sheikh Salqib (PAK) 9-1, 5-9, 9-3, 9-4 
Girls U-19 (2) Low Wee Wern (MAS) beat (3/4) Leung Shin Nga (HKG) 1-9, 9-6,9-5, 9-4 
Girls U-15 (3/4) Dipika Pallikal (IND) beat (1) Tong Tsz Wing (HKG) 9-2, 9-4, 9-5 

Semifinal Results : 

BU19 :
Leo Au Chun Ming {HK} beat Choong Kam Hing {MAS}  9-0 9-5 9-3
Max Lee Ho Yin {HK} beat Ivan Yuen {MAS}  10-9 9-6 9-2 

BU15 :
Sheikh Salqib {PAK} beat Ravi Dixit {IND}  9-2 9-6 9-6
Danish Atlas {PAK} beat Cheong Kah Wah {MAS}  9-0 9-1 9-1

GU19 :
Leung Shin Nga {HK} beat Annie Au Wing Chi {HK}  4-9 10-8 9-2 6-9 9-2
Low Wee Wern {MAS} beat Joey Chan Ho Ling {HK}  10-8 9-2 9-1

GU15 :
Tong Tsz Wing {HK} beat Anwesha Reddy {IND}  9-7 9-6 9-1
Dipika Pallikal {IND} beat Liu Tsz Ling {HK}  9-0 6-9 9-2 9-3

BU19  :
Lionel Ong {SIN} beat Chakkranga Rajapakse {SL}  2-9 10-9 9-0 9-7
Muhammad Asyraf Azan {MAS} beat Lee, Nyeon-Ho {KOR}  Walkover

GU19 :
Tehani Guruge {SL} beat Park, Da-Bin {KOR}  9-0 9-2 9-3
Surbhi Misra {IND} beat Kimberly Chew {SIN}  9-0 9-4 9-0

BU15 :
Preshin Manminder {SIN} beat Hayate Gunji {JPN}  9-1 9-5 9-5
Karm Kumar {IND} beat Bryan Koh {SIN}  9-3 9-3 9-6 

GU15 :
Karman Siu Ka Man {HK} beat Ashani Weerasinghe {SL}  9-0 9-0 9-3
Mao Shi Hui {SIN} beat Jillian Lye {SIN}  9-4 10-8 9-6

Deerav Moolani Finishes in Top 8 at Penang Malaysia.

In his first International tournament abroad Deerav Moolani, Class X student of Bishops School, finished in Top 8 at juniors squash tournament being held in the city of Penang, Malaysia.

In the fray of International players from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore he has done Poona proud by this achievement. His major upset was in pre-quarter-finals where he was the underdog. He beat 8^th seeded Malaysian Goh Wei Sien 3 games to one. In quarterfinals Deerav lost to first seed Jacob Alexander from Australia.

He is coaching at Poona Squash Academy at Residency Club since 2 years. Already an Under 15 champion in Poona, he is moving on to play international tournaments. On telephone conversation he said, the world standard of squash is very high compared to India, where the game is just picking up. Playing in Penang, where 12 court facilities in one place seemed small, the game is lacking sponsors in India he said. There are over 300 participants in the event from various countries.

Ritwik loses a thriller
Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 16th May, 2006

National Champion Ritwik Bhattacharya went down fighting to Canada's Shawn De Lierre 10-12, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4, 7-11 in a riveting quarterfinal in the PSA Atlanta Squash Open. Looking to follow up on his superb performance in the Lierpool 08 last week, Bhattacharya came up just short in the marathon encounter.

Squash trainees have mums for company
Mid-Day : May 12, 2006 

It's meant for youngsters, but two mothers in their 30s and 40s hogged the limelight at the Raju Chainani ISP-SRAM squash camp at Mumbai Police Gymkhana.

Nandita Maheshwari and Shilpa Doshi turn up regularly along with their sons for training at the camp.

Sons inspire

Nandita, 37, a Nursery school teacher in Marine Lines developed a liking for squash after watching her son Parth in action.

“I was a good badminton player during my school days but had never heard about squash. Parth evinced his interest in squash and in the process I also got involved,” said Nandita.

“He’s a better players than me and has learned the basic techniques quickly,” she said.

It was the same with 42-year-old Shilpa Doshi who got enthused when she came to drop her son Nakshatra at the camp. “When he picked his racket and entered the court I also felt like playing,” said Shilpa.

Helpful coaches

Sunil Bhandari and Manish Chauhan coach the 24 participants in three batches in the camp that started on April 25 and will conclude on May 13.

“The coaches encouraged me and supplied me squash magazines and other related material to learn about the game. Now, I know at least the basics of the game,” added Shilpa.

On vacation with squash
   Mid-day : May 11, 2006

Squash was yet another game for these guys until they joined the Raju Chainani ISP-SRAM Squash Camp at Bombay Gymkhana.

Ryesh Venkatraman, Samir David and Stuti Agrawal are among the 22 odd participants in the summer camp who are witnessing a phenomenal change in their approach towards the game since they joined in April 24.

Ryesh has come all the way from Pune to be a part of the camp during the vacations. The 13-year-old jolly boy is staying with her sister in Mumbai. "I am playing squash since three years. This time I had planned to get some proper squash training during the summer vacations and found the ideal one at Bombay Gymkhana," said Ryesh.

"Here I am learning strange things which I had never heard before. The technicalities involved and the significance of the mind power in the game has enthused me," he added.

The Pune boy also got Samir David into the camp. "Ryesh is a buddy and motivated me to join the camp for fun," said Samir. "I have been playing squash since 11 months but had never attended a coaching camp. Here, I learnt about shot selection and got exposed to different fitness techniques," said the student from Jai Hind College, Churchgate.

12-year-old Stuti Agrawal is in the game since three years but here she has got herself ready for big tournaments. "I participated in the local women's tournaments without enjoying much success earlier. But here I have learnt to keep presence of mind in the game and operate hand eye coordination for better results," said the St Anne's Fort student.

Santosh Kharat, Yaqood Shaikh and Aijaz Shaikh are the coaches in the month long coaching camp. "We expose them to the basic requirements in the squash.

This includes the proper usage of racket, fitness regime and mind development, "said Kharat.

"There are some good players also in the training camp for which we have made separate arrangements to grant them advanced coaching," added Yaqoob.

Two batches of participants from 10 am to 11 am and 11 am to 12 noon toil at Bombay Gymkhana. The camp will conclude on May 21.

Ritwik in main draw
Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 3/5/2006

India No 1 Ritwik Bhattacharya entered the main draw of the $78,000 Liverpool 08 Squash Open in Liverpool on Monday. Ritwik defeated Frenchman Jean-Michel Arcucci 11-8 8-11 11-10 (2-0) 11-2 in the second round of qualifying. He earlier beat Wales Rob Sutherland 3-1 in the first round. Saurav Ghosal, the India No 2, went down to Zimbabwe’s Jesse Engelbrecht 7-11 8-11 8-11 in the first round.

Khalidbhai’s  out with his first book 

Khalid Ansari, former  president of Squash Rackets Association of Maharashtra has published his first book, through Popular Prakashan. It is called   CRICKET FEVER - a collection of his cricket pieces over the years for Sportsweek and Mid-Day Cricket legends  Sunil Gavaskar and  Sachin Tenuldkar  and several sports personalities were present at the function at the CCI’s poolside on Tuesday  night. 

Pro-Squash  correspondent  PVJ Kar  interviewed Khalid about his career 

When did you take to journalism?
In was in 1969 when the New Zealand team was here.

How far did your education at Stanford University in the US help towards achieving your goals?
It was a step towards doing what I wanted to do—start an English newspaper.  My father had begun an Urdu paper—Inquilab. So after I did my graduation in English Literature,  MA in Political Science and got a degree in law  I  finished at  Stanford studying International Journalism.

You began Mid-Day in 1979, when did people start taking it seriously?
As I  said at the function ``Uparwala Meherban, gadha pehelwan’’. If the god is patronizing even a donkey can turn into a wrestler.’’ Around the time we launched there was panic in the city about a foreign object coming, a UFO.  Our journalists did a good job of that story. That greatly helped us. The Sporting public was behind us too because we had Sportsweek.

Yet the early years must have been painful.
Indeed. We worked 18 hours producing Sportsweek with the likes of  Ossie Manuel, Sharad Kotnis, Mani Sunder, Hosey Mistry, Pradeep Vijayakar, Gopi Bhaskaran among others. We  had no premises, no machinery to print, no newsprint. But we enjoyed the challenge and that made us mentally stronger and devoted to the profession. The lessons from that experience were invaluable.

David against Goliath, what was it like competing against the big ones like The Times of India and Indian Express.?
It was sheer madness of thinking about competing with them. We had no money, office no roof over our heads. Our editor Behram Contractor and Ron Hendricks would be sitting at their typewriters, with rain falling pitter patter. The camera department   had packed up, the newprint rolls were soaked wet. It was a baptism by fire. I had to leave for the inauguration function   at a hotel. I was also Rotary president and was marking time with chief guest Field Marshall Sam Maneckshaw by my side with one eye on the door wondering when the first copy of the paper would come. Around nine in the night the paper was brought in. I just held it below the table to see   whether it was blank or actually had some news printed on it . It had. I showed it to Manekshaw and he blurted out ``Call it Mid-Night dammit, not Mid-Day!’’  

You prided yourself over being the only Indian journalists at some events, notably the World Cup hockey in Buenos Aires. How was the experience as an itinerant correspondent at a variety of world class events like the Olympics?
It was superb I wouldn’t trade it for anything if I were to be reborn. The challenge of coverage, the deadlines, the time differences, meeting people of all types, reacting to them   having tea, lunch, dinner with them. I could die now fully contented with what I did.

Of all the people you came across who   would  single out?
Undoubtedly, Air Marshall Nur Khan. At one time he was president of Pakistan’s hockey, squash and cricket federations, plus heading the Pakistan International Airlines through which he helped Pakistan sport. He had vision and foresight and was a good human being above all. I will never forget his words at the World Cup in Buenos Aires. He told the Pakistani hockey team:` `Always tell yourself you are three goals down—one goal for bad luck, one for bad conditions and a third for lack of crowd support. You try and  equalize that three-goal deficit and you would have won the match.’’ I was highly impressed by that the spirit of that logic.

You had a brief stint with the All India Council of Sport, tell us about that.
That is an even better story to tell though not a happy one. The AICS, as a body, had no teeth, no finances. It would just recommend to the government which teams and individual sportfolk   should be sent abroad  for competition. Often bureaucrats would scuttle foreign trips and that was why we came in.

I remember the inauguration which was done by a bureaucrat who made a speech. After he left, Gen Sam Maneckshaw, who was heading the AICS said: "Now that we have heard the rubbish  let us start our jobs –of producing world champions. Those words were carried back to the people at the top. He was not allowed to function and was finished.’’

What about the other hat you wore, president of the Squash Rackets Association of Maharashtra?
It was rewarding   overall. Of course we had our differences with the apex body the SRFI. What we fought for was autonomy at   state level. We told them we were not interested in their body nor getting positions   on it. We just wanted to do our activities—an atmosphere of live and let live.

Finally have you stopped dreaming?
I don’t remember any dreams.

Will your group give this country its first sports newspaper?
The way my children are running the papers they are doing a better job than I did. With sponsorship and advertising for sport on the up, I think time is ripe for a sports daily.

It can happen.

HYDERABAD TO HOST WISPA's QATAR AIRWAYS CHALLENGE 
(01/05/2006) 

Qatar Airways Challenge will move to India this year. After two years in Doha, the Qatar Airways Challenge will move to India this year. The third biggest championship on the Women's International Squash Players' Association World Tour, boasting a prize fund of $79,550, will be played from 4–9 July in Hyderabad, a major Qatar Airways destination in India.

In an exciting innovation that will ensure a great presentation for Indian and world-wide TV audiences, the final rounds will be played on an all-glass court erected in front of the Falaknuma Palace, an historic building set on a hill overlooking the city of Hyderabad. Early rounds will take place at the Secunderabad Club.

Announcing the women's championship, which will be the biggest ever to be held in India, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker said the airline was delighted to be backing a sport which is gaining huge recognition and reputation around the world.

"We are extremely thrilled to once again be staging the Qatar Airways Challenge. After hosting the tournament in Qatar for the past two years, we are pleased to be taking the sport to India and staging the tournament in Hyderabad, a city Qatar Airways flies to four times a week.

"Qatar Airways looks forward to welcoming the world's top women squash players for what promises to be an exciting event with excellent prize money on offer. Many of the players will be flying to India with Qatar Airways and sampling the award-winning Five Star hospitality that we are renowned for around the world.”

Added Al Baker: “Our sponsorship of the WISPA event is integral to Qatar Airways’ strategy of using sport to help spread its message as a leading international airline.“

WISPA Chief Executive Andrew Shelley responded: "This is an exciting development of our enduring partnership with Qatar Airways. It was always the intention to move to destinations for the airline, and the news is certainly already creating a stir in Hyderabad where Indian Cements, Taj Hotels, SRFI and the venues are pulling out all the stops to support us. It is a major worldwide televised WISPA championship and the setting in India will certainly do it justice this year."

India is a strategically important market for Qatar Airways. The airline currently operates 30 scheduled flights a week between Doha and five Indian destinations of Mumbai, Hyderabad, Cochin, Delhi and Trivandrum, with plans to boost its Indian network to other cities over the next few years.

Qatar Airways has a fleet of 45 all-Airbus aircraft flying to 70 destinations from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Daily flights between Doha and Hong Kong were launched in March, marking the airline's historic 70th route.

The airline's fleet will almost triple in size over to 110 aircraft by 2015. Qatar Airways plans to acquire 60 of the new generation Airbus A350s and 20 Boeing 777s, worth a total US$15.2 billion.

Qatar Airways is one of only four airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the third year running in 2005 and fifth best in the world following a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide.

source:  http://www.squashplayer.co.uk/newspage.asp?Key=894

SQUASH  BOOM  IN  MUMBAI 

Abdul Shaikh

Mid-day : 11/04/2006 Racquet sports guru Abdul Shaikh impressed by game’s increasing popularity in the city.  The popularity of squash is growing in India, especially in the metros. The impressive performance of the Indian Squash players, both men’s &women’s has won them admires at the international scene.  And when you have a role to play in the upliftment of squash, it gives you great satisfaction. Same applies for Abdul Shaikh, a retired teaching professional in racket sports (squash, badminton and lawn tennis) at Vancouver at Canada. Keen learners  The Indian born 72 year old had two brief stints in India earlier, for teaching the Indian squash coaches. “I came here in 2002 and 2004 to deliver lectures to the professional squash coaches in Mumbai  & Chennai, they were enthusiastic and keen to learn the same,” said Sheikh at Cricket Club Of India yesterday. “It’s heartening to hear that those coaches have been benefied by the workshop,” he added.

Interestingly both Chennai and Mumbai are dominating the squash game in India.

Staying updated

Shaikh, now on a holiday to India, remains updated on Indian squash through the Prosquash Magazine published by  Indian Squash Professionals.   

“I have not watched Indian players in action. But, it is heartening to read about their achievements. There has been a Squash boom in Mumbai. Many tournaments are being conducted  and the prize money is heavy which attracts more participants,” said Shaikh. “the whole credit for that goes to ISP and  SRAM, who are doing a commendable job. Sponsorship is also propping up in India for this game and soon it will be one of the popular games in India ,” he remarked . 

Sitting beside the CCI squash courts, accompanied by his life partner Villoo who was also his one time mixed doubles partner in Badminton in 1960’s, Shaikh  was impressed with the infrastructure also. “Squash courts are well furnished here and are at par with foreign courts.” 

Get Glass Courts

He, however had a suggestion, “There should be more glass courts so that enough spectators can enjoy the game,” he said 

Shaikh a one-time badminton and squash champion, has some happy memories of his playing days . Abdul has the distinction of having wins in the paired events over 7 times World Champion Erland Kops of Denmark.

Despite old age, Shaikh is still keen on the game. “ I am still involved with educational programmes where I deliver Lectures on Badminton and Squash  coaching.

I also conduct some workshops about these games ,”he signed off. 

Article by Khalid Ansari in Mid-day 24/08/2005 

Ritwik Bhattacharya

‘The real mark of a sportsman is how good he is on a bad day’ Article in Times of India : 9/04/2006 Ritwik Bhattacharya, India’s National Squash Champion, who is currently in Mumbai, on his passion for the game NICOLE DASTUR Times News Network He’s all of 26. But he’s been there and done that, all right! India’s number one squash player, Ritwik Bhattacharya, already has many an ace up his sleeve, but the ambitious young gun only wants more. Spurning an education at Ivy League to follow his passion — squash — Ritwik says that the sport is the only thing that really excites him. “Rarely does one get a chance to make a career out of one’s hobby. I’m lucky; I love my job,” says Ritwik, who first represented India at the age of 15 in the Men’s Junior Team and was the National Champion at 18.

So, was sports always on his mind? “Being in a military school, sports was an integral part of our curriculum. But it was squash that I was particularly fond of, and quite good at, which is when I decided to make it my profession,” says Ritwik. Was it difficult to make a career in sports? “Initially, yes, it’s unfortunate that in India, sports is not taken seriously enough. But determination can overcome all barriers,” says Ritwik, adding that the travelling that comes with the profession only makes life more exciting.

The go-getter that he is, Ritwik realised early in his career that if he wanted to be number one, he had to train with the best. So he shifted base from Delhi to London, where he’s training under one of the world’s finest squash coaches, Neil Harvey. “What is lacking in India in terms of sports is a proper structure, support from the government, adequate sponsors and consistency. We have the talent, but no proper system,” says Ritwik. And what does he propose as a solution? “Sports education, right from school, and more importantly, a mass awareness about sports. It’s only now that squash is slowly being looked at as a common man’s sport, rather than an elitist sport.”

Even though his future plans read only “squash, squash and more squash” Ritwik’s other interests include reading — “it relaxes me” — and travelling — “if not a sportsman, I would’ve taken to flying.”

Now that he’s also the new face of an international brand, do the ‘modelling’ assignments distract him? “No, I look at it this way: I’m not just representing a brand, but also the game,” he says. Ask him to sum up being India’s National Champion and he gets philosophical. “For me, quality is more important than quantity. At the end of the day, I believe that the real mark of a sportsman is not how well he performs on a good day, but how good he is on a bad day.”

SRFI, a saga of autocracy
By: Khalid A-H Ansari
Mid-day : March 23, 2006

Melbourne: There is just no limit to the Squash Rackets Federation of India’s lack of transparency, contempt for accountability and capacity for Machiavellian manipulation.

The latest in the SRFI’s unending chronicle of autocratic functioning and a devil-may-care, to-hell-with-Indian squash attitude is the absence of deserving Indian players in the squash event of the 18th Commonwealth Games here.

However, unsurprisingly, SRFI’s dictatorial secretary-general N. Ramachandran is very much here — walking his talk and playing the political games that are his forte, and which enable him to control the game of squash — as also Indian triathlon — which he runs like his personal fiefdom year after year ad infinitum.

A senior official of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has been quoted by the Hindustan Times (Delhi) as saying that it (SAI) was keen to send a team because it felt that India had “more than a fair chance to win at least one medal in squash”.

Shocking!

The report goes on to quote the SAI functionary: “The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was also in agreement, but we could not because the SRFI itself was not interested in sending a team.”

Even a cursory look at the facts reinforces the case for Indian squash participation in these Games.

To begin with, the sport will be one of the disciplines in the ‘10 New Delhi Games.

The experience which our leading men’s and women’s players would have gained here would have been invaluable for ‘10, which is the reasoning that dictated the sending of our swimmers, gymnasts and women’s basketball team to Melbourne, even though they did not have a ghost of a chance to do well.

Players suffer

On the other hand, on the basis of credentials and recent performances, Joshna Chinappa and India’s first and only professional player Ritwik Bhattacharya could have been expected to acquit themselves creditably in the singles events and, even won a medal in the mixed doubles event.

Chinappa is the world women’s u-19 No 2 and Asian u-19 champion. She won the last u-19 British Open title, which is the unofficial World Cup.

The SRFI secretary-general kept Chinappa out of the Indian team for the recent Asian championships as well. His personal and legal problems with the youngster’s parents are fast becoming the notorious stuff of squash legend.

Ritwik Bhattacharya and Saurav Ghoshal were world doubles runners-up at the championships held in Chennai in 2004 and, along with Gaurav Nandrajog, were members of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the Asian Team Championship in Taiwan this year.

If these performances are not impressive, one would like to ask Rami (N Ramachandran) what are.

Their only disqualification is that they do not represent Tamil Nadu.
Incredible? Yes, but absolutely true.

Ramachandran’s action in denying Chinappa, Bhattacharya, Ghoshal and other promising squash players the opportunities that they deserve is perverse and palpably not in the best interest of Indian squash. One’s heart goes out to the youngsters.

Hear her

Joshna Chinappa is on record as saying: “I am sad since I would have loved playing in  the Commonwealth Games which are huge, more so since some of the players, including myself, have been preparing for this for almost three years.”

Australian squash legend John Hunt, who was world No 1 from 1975-80 and won 178 of 215 tournaments, says: “The Commonwealth Games is the greatest thing that happened to squash.”

It is obvious that Ramachandran and his coterie in the SRFI do not agree. It may be recalled the august national body did not send a team to the last edition either, because it decided, in its infinite wisdom, that the players did not “have a chance”.

They will never “have a chance” as long as Ramachandran aka, (also known as) SRFI,  unfairly and illogically denies them exposure and experience in important international events for reasons that only he understands.

At least the last time, Ramachandran had the courtesy of explaining his decision to the media, which he has deemed beneath his dignity this time.

Wohi raftaar bedhangi (the same illogical manner of functioning)! 

SRFI SQUASHES INDIA'S CHANCES AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES. 

Article in Delhi Edition of Hindustan Times Page 20 (10th March 2006)

THE INDIAN contingent for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games is a mammoth 260-member strong, and participating in 10 events including games like women's basketball, swimming and gymnastics. Events where, according to the IOA, India has a chance to win a medal. 

So it comes as a surprise when one sees squash excluded from the list. India may not be a powerhouse in squash, but it takes no great thinking to realise that, compared to some of the other disciplines India will be represented in, squash may well have provided a better shot a medal. Consider this: India has the women's junior world and Asian champion in Joshna Chinappa, and were semi-finalists in the men's section at the recent Asian championships, besides being runners-up at the world doubles championships in 2004. 

Since the SAI is the nodal agency for clearing the names and forwarding the recommendations of the respective federations, one wonders if it did not realise India's prospects in squash. "On the contrary," said a senior SAI official on condition of anonymity, "we were keen to send a team. The SAI felt that India had more than fair chance to win at least one medal in squash. The IOA was also in agreement, but we could not because the SRFI itself was not interested in sending a team." 

So, at a time when even those disciplines where India hardly stands a chance to win - including gymnastics and basketball - are cleared for participation because "we need to encourage our players to perform their best. 

"More so since India will be hosting the 2010 Games and we need full participation then," according to a senior SAI official, India will not be part of the mega event in a sport where we realistically stand a chance. 

Even the players are unable to understand the reasons for not participating. "Not playing the Commonwealth Games is a big blow and I'm extremely upset. Honestly, we have a great chance in the doubles if not the singles," said India's highestranked player Ritwik Bhattacharya, currently in Pakistan for the Chief of Army Staff Open. 

Added Joshna, who is topranked Indian woman and is in Mumbai for a CII women's empow erment meet: "To be very honest, I don't think my name would have been recommended by the Federation. The fact that I have my parents' support and am able to train without the SRFI's blessings perhaps rankles them. And this is their way of getting back. 

"But I am sad since I would have loved playing, because the Commonwealth Games are huge. More so, since some of the players, including myself, had been preparing for this for almost three years." 

In the last edition as well, India did not send a team after the SRFI decided they were not medal prospects. But Ritwik did participate and reached the second round in singles. This time also, there was no apparent hurdle, unless there is more to this than meets the eye.

SRFI secretary N Ramachandran, despite repeated attempts, refused to answer any queries on the subject. "You mail me, and I will answer," was the curt reply when he finally responded. He never did.

Gr8! Women Achievers 2006 announced.

Article in Gr8 Magazine March 2006

Gr8!, the popular television glossy, felicitated 15 women from varied fields at the Gr8! Women Achievers 2006 night was held on Friday 17th February at the ITC Grand Maratha Lawns, Mumbai. 

It was a night like no other, because it was a night dedicated to those who never saw the light of the day.  The high wattage Anoushka Shankar, Ayesha Takia, Amrita Rao, Farah Khan, Ekta Kapoor, Amrita Rao & Joshna Chinappa were electrifying glitterati like Pooja Bedi sparked with her special brand of irrepressible chutzpah, luminaries like the cotton saree clad Medha Patkar blinded you with her bedrock commitment, legends like Sitara Devi dazzled with her wit. Other achievers were Khusboo Sundar, Shailaja Kejrewal, Punitha Arumugm,  Jeelani Bano, Neeta Lulla and Geeta Piramal.    

The Fashion show brought together a combination of A-list celebrities like no other. As they paraded Neeta Lulla creations, choreographed by Achala Sachdev, the ramp lit up with the sparkle of angel dust around fairies. Never seen a more electric combination of ramp walkers dazzling the devening rate appearance by mother daughter duos of politically inclined Shaina NC and mom Munira Chudasma, Zareen Khan (Feroz Khan's wife) & Farah, Ishita Arun & Ila Arun, Soni Razdan & Alia, Neeta Lulla & Nishka, Anu with Anushka and Akansha. Then there were ravishing Sonali Rathor & Neena Gupta. Shristhti Arya with her young gang from India Calling & Remix, Nigaar Z Khan & Shama Sikandar, Niharika - Yukta - Vida trio, Neeta Chopra & Sapna Mukherjee.

Celebrities like Kabir Bedi, Adam Bedi, Nisha Harale, Mahesh Bhatt, Jackie Shroff, Zaheer Abbas, Madhur Bhandarkar,Ashutosh Gowriker, Bhagyashree, Suchitra Krishnamurthy, Ramesh Sippy, Kiran Juneja, Tazat & Bina Aziz, Kim Sharma, Nikki Aneja, Neena Gupta, Yukta Mukhey, Pooja Ghai, Narayani Shastri, Sudha Chandran, Archana Puran Singh,Ashok Pandit, Prem Chopra and many others were present at the occasion.

Informed Shashi Ranjan, Publisher Gr8! Magazine, "This is the fourth year in a row that we have felicitated women achievers in various fields for their contribution to their respective professions and society as a whole. Through this platform we recognize the achievements of women from a whole gamut of fields including Music, Television, Sports, Fashion, Literature, Dance, Journalism, Social Service, Film, Business & Advertising. In addition to this, a young achiever and a special honor was also bestowed."

Added Anu Ranjan, Co-Publisher Gr8!," This year's felicitation was centered around our campaign against female foeticide called 'Beti'.

India in Asian squash semis

Times of India, Mumbai : 28/02/06

Indian men will take on Malaysia in the semifinal of the Asian men’s team squash championships in Chinese Taipei. The men defeated Iran 3-0 and South Korea 3-0 in Group matches. Meanwhile the women downed Sri Lanka 2-0 in a 5th-8th placings match. World champion Nicol David led Malaysia to a 2-0 sweep of Hong Kong for the women’s crown.

Manek Mathur propels Trinity to title

Times of India, Mumbai : 24/02/06 : By Pradeep Vijayakar 

Manek Mathur made a mark as a freshman for Trinity who won the US collegiate squash title for a record 8th year in a row. Inthe final they beat Princteon 5-4. Trinity were down 1-3 when Manek playing at No 5 won a close game against Nate Beck. That inspired his teammates to go on and finish the aspirations of the challengers. Sahil Vora was another Indian who played for Trinity but he lost his game. An expat, Eric Wadhwa, was also on the winning at No 9 a dead rubber. Cyrus Appooo, son of Capt Jamshed Appoo was also on the Trinity team playing preliminary games. 

Trinity who have won 144 ties in a row and haven't lost since 1998. Bernado Samper had been Trinity's star last year. For Sahil, it was the second time he tasted victory. Last year top Indian player Siddharth Suchde had finished on the losing Harvard side. This year too Harvard lost in the semis, but Suchde's show indicates he is favourite for the individual title. 

Mathur earned praise for being one of three freshmen who brought victory for Trinity. Mathur pulled out a marathon victory over Nate Beck to open the 2-1 lead. Mathur had several match-balls and an 8-4 lead in the third game, but Beck rallied all the way back to force a fourth game.

Scores of final:
Trinty bt Princeton 5-4:
Shaun Johnstone lost to Yasser El Halaby 1-3;
Gustav Detter lost to Mauricio Sanchez 1-3;
Jacques Swanepoel lost to Kimlee Wong-1-3;
Sahil Vora lost to Hesham el Halaby 2-3;
Eduardo Pereira bt Vincent Yu 3-0;
Manek Mathur bt Nate Beck 3-1;
Yvain Badan bt Dent Wilkens 3-0;
Simba Muhwati bt Michael Gilman 3-2;
Eric Wadhwa bt Tom McKay 3-1.

Joshna’s target

Times of India, Mumbai : 23/02/06 : By Pradeep Vijayakar 

Joshna Chinappa, national squash champion, is targeting a top 30 finish in the world rankings by the end of the year. The 19-year-old from Chennai, currently ranked 74 in the world, has entered the women's international squash players association tour (WISPA), recently and reached the quarter-final stage of two events besides a semi-final in the last month. 

‘‘It's very tough. All my rivals were very experienced. They play nearly 40 events every year.  But I am learning to play in the senior tour,'' Joshna told Wanderer on her return from an event  in Hong Kong. She defeated Amelia Pittock of Australia, ranked No 30 in the world, but lost in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The talented squash player, supported by the Mittal Foundation, is being coached by Liz Irwing of Australia, who is also the coach of world No 1 Nicol David. 

Squash included

Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 20/01/2006

The efforts of Indian Squash Professionals have borne fruit with the Mumbai Schools Sports Association agreeing to have squash as part of schools sports. The first MSSA schools squash tournament will be held at February 8 to 11 at the Cricket Club of India. The competition is open to all bonafide students from member schools of the MSSA. However non-member schools, who wish to participate in the tournament can obtained the necessary membership circular and form and also the tournament circular and entry form from the MSSA office or download the same from the MSSA website (www.mssa.in). For further details contact the MSSA (22620400/22693974).

Squashed between rock & a hard place
SQUASH No camps, no plans, no info, players left in the dark.

Indian Express (Mumbai) : 19/1/2006 

Total indecisiveness by those who run the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) has pushed players in limbo, vis-a-vis the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. With the Games around the corner, the Federation has shown total disregard for player’s sentiments and has not been able to arrange a preparatory camp. 

Asked about this, all SRFI secretary N.Ramachandran had to tell The Indian Express (on the phone from Chennai) was a curt “don’t want to talk on this issue”. 

Incidentally, almost all relevant national federations are going all out to select probables and organize camps in whichever manner they can afford. They also talk about it. 

Ironically, despite Indian performances having never touched any respectable level, Ramachandran has been president of the Asian Squash Federation since 2001. All Ramachandran would tell this correspondent was “talk to the national coach.” 

National coach Cyrus Poncha, a Dronacharya Award winner, when asked about the probables’ list and the camp, said ; “ The federation will send a press release, you can see who’s who then.” 

That’s why top players of the country are still in the dark on selection matters. If the SRFI does decide to send a team, that is. But this guessing game could have detrimental effect of the players. 

The national coach wasn’t forthcoming on the dates of the national camp either. “ The camp is likely to commence from the second week of February,” he said.

The country’s top woman player Joshna Chinappa (also based in Chennai, from where the federation function), said: “ So far, I haven’t received any information regarding selection for Melbourne.” 

Sources say there is possibility that the camp might not be held at all. Since some of the top players including Ritwik Bhattarcharya are based abroad, it’s not certain they would be attending the camp. 

Ritwik – Saurav crash out of world meet
Times of India (Mumbai) : 12th January 2006

New Delhi:  The Indian challenge ended early with Ritwik Bhattacharya and Saurav Ghoshal crashing out of the 3^rd World Doubles Squash Championships in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Ritwik and Saurav went down 3-9  6-9  7-9 to Campbell Grayson and Martin Knight of New Zealand in their third and last round-robin league match on the second day of the competition.

The Indians, who were the runners up in the 2004 edition in Chennai, finished at the bottam of their pool C with one win and two losses to be left out of contention for a quarterfinal berth.

Only the top two teams in a pool advance to the last eight matches to be played on Wednesday.

Ritwik , seeded third, and Saurav (4^th) began their campaign with a hard-fought victory over unseeded Australians Craig Rowland and Bradley Freeme prevailing 9-2  11-13  9-3  8-10  9-5

The Indian duo, who was one of the fancied combinations this time around too, did not click as a team and failed to capitalize on the good start.

They lost their second match to another home paie paul price  (5^th) and Timothy Manning (8^th) 9-4  9-6  5-9  9-6.

Grayson and Knight went through by virtue of their all-win record. The other three pairs all had one victory and two defeats. But price and Manning qualified for the next round on the back of  their superior game difference of  -1 (six games won and seven lost).

Rowland and Freeme came third in the group with a game difference of –2 while the Indians were last with  -4.  Agencies