It may not be not be a popular sport in the State or country, and among known racquet sports it is the lesser cousin. But that said, squash among ball games, tests one's fitness and endurance levels the most. Chicalim-based Akanksha Salunkhe who turned 17 last month, has been more than merely the 'Pride of Goa' for some time now as she has been performing credibly well internationally. At the ongoing South Asian Games, she was part of the women's team that won the gold defeating Pakistan in the team event finals at Guwahati on Wednesday. Incidentally, she is the first-ever Goan girl to represent the country in squash at such a highly competitive level.
Basil Sylvester Pinto spoke to her. Excerpts:
Q: Tell us how you got introduced to a lesser known sport as squash
AS: I got introduced to squash at the young age of nine. I had a group of friends - a couple of girls and I, used to attend dance classes. But, for some reason these classes stopped. As we were getting bored, we decided to try out sports through the Naval Officer's Institute (NOI), Chicalim. On the first day itself, we tried squash, and Rehman (squash coach) has been there helping us from the outset.
Q:How have you been received as a squash player?
AS: There is a lot of support in Goa. Starting with squash coach, Rehman, the Goa Association of Squash (GAS) which was formed two years back, have backed me a lot. In time, sponsorship came from the Dempo Group of Companies which took care of my expenses in my development in the racquet sport from age 12 until 15.
Q: The infrastructure and coaching facilities available …
AS: Being from a Naval family, I have been very lucky because this Institute, offers facilities like squash courts, gymnasium, swimming pool, and then there is the Chicalim ground nearby. As for my fitness, that is taken care of and there is nothing lacking as such.
Q: Being at the competitive level as you are, do you find yourself lacking of a good practice partner?
AS: For around five years until last April, at the NOI, I used to have Yash Fadte, train alongside me, who moved on to practice at SAG, Chicalim. Then there was Rahil Perin, from Mangor Hill, Vasco, who trained with me until two years ago but gave up squash to focus on studies, but he does come once in a while. Currently, I train with Armaan Chowfin (U-17 Boys).
Q: The eventual rise as a squash player..
AS: The only thing that keeps me going in squash is the love for the game. I find squash fun, and that is why I play. With the help of Rehman, I have bettered my game. While people look at it as a professional sport, for me, it is a fun thing to do everyday.
Q: Your most memorable game..
AS: At the National level, it would be the CCI tourney. Last year I entered two finals and won both. While in the U-19 girls category, I put it across Sunayna Kuruvilla (Chennai) at 3-1, in the women's finals. I dispatched Urvashi Joshi (Mumbai) in straight sets (3-0). At the International stage, in 2013 at the Dutch Open in Amsterdam, I won 3-1 against Sarah Lauridsen (Denmark).
