History made as Akanksha is first Goan to lift Jr Nat squash crown

The Goan Network

Panaji

Akanksha Salunkhe won the Junior National squash title in Kolkata on Thursday. This is first time ever in history that a Goan player has clinched a national squash title.

The Goan lass has been playing squash since last five years and has been seeded No 1 in her category for the past three years and yet the gold has been eluding her. Finally, the hard work, persistence and singular focus bore fruits during her victory today.

She had been on a winning streak for past three years but her consistent defeat in Junior Nationals tournament had kind of made her wary of this tournament; in fact Junior Nationals was the only major tournament that she lost last twice whilst winning others. She, in fact was cribbing of not participating in this year's edition.

However, her parents and coach persisted and impressed upon her that she could win if she had kept trying. Non-participation meant that an opportunity lost. And here she is, with the gold in her hand. Of course, the road behind is much shorter than that lies ahead. Her quest is Olympic gold.

Once again, in her rise to the top she dropped only one game.

Her coach Rehman Hubli, Gym coach Veeresh and Nutrition coach Ryan Fernando would be indeed glad at her achievement, having toiled equally hard. Certainly, they have equal share in her achievement. Her mother and grandmother, who have been a huge support back home and on the tour can now be glad about their hard work as well.

Akanksha's brother, Yash improved his last year's performance and came seventh in his category of boys U-13. It was heartening to see him fighting it out in a five-setter in the quarter-finals against No 2 seeded Kanhav Nanavati of Tamil Nadu.

In fact, in the decider, he was 9-7 up, on way to winning the quarter-finals, but, he had to concede defeat. His match play, says Rehman, his coach that he has improved tremendously and is certainly on the surge towards enhancing his performance. Just a month back he was No 13 on the ranking and now here he is in the top 8, to be at No 7. The brother sister duo has indeed made Goa proud on the national circuit.

Also, Goa's very own Yash Fadte was runner-up in boys U-15 category. He won the quarter-finals against Saksham Chowdhary of Delhi 3-2. He went on to win the semi-finals against No 2 seed Veer Chotrani of Mumbai, again a 5 setter, 3-2. Unfortunately, he lost to Tushar Sahani of Mumbai in the finals 3-0. Yash had to toil immensely in the tournament but his resilience demonstrated that he is very strong player.

AKANKSHA'S ROAD TO GLORY

Pre-quarters: beat Vedika Arun of Tamil Nadu, 3-0

Quarter-finals: beat Nadika Kumar of UP, 3-0

Semi-finals: beat Ashita Bengra of Tamil Nadu, 3-0

Finals: beat Sunaina Kuruvila of Tamil Nadu, 3-1

HOW OTHER GOANS FARED

1/2 - Apurva Sardesai - Boys U-11 & Sukriti Panigrahi - Girls U-17

both reached pre-quarter finals having won the qualifying matches.

3 - Sparshi Mattas lost in the 2nd round in Girls U-15

4 - Akruti Mattas also lost in 2nd round in Girls U-13

HIGHLIGHTS

A tiny state like Goa can now be proud of the fact that it has finally produced a winner in Junior Nationals in Squash for the very first time. Out of 10 final matches, three Goans made it in the top-10. That's a good achievement when compared to other states where the game has been played since independence.

The support that Indian Navy has provided to train these players under coach Rehman is immense and it is a proud moment for the Naval Officer's Institute of Goa to churn out National Champions.

Akanksha and Yash Salunkhe's school, Navy Children School would also be proud to have their students making a mark at national events.