India’s squash princess Dipika Pallikal lands country’s top award
By LEE HORTON – Squash Mad Reporter
INDIAN squash star Dipika Pallikal has been awarded her country’s highest civilian honour.
The 22-year-old world number 12 from Chennai will be given the Padma Shri award for distinguished service by the President of India at a ceremonial function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan later this year.
Dipika (pictured right) told her Twitter followers: ‘Can’t be more thankful to the Govt of India who think I’m worthy of the Padma Shri Award.Truly an honour! Thank u for all the love:)’
The Indian number one player recently announced her engagement to Indian international wicket keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik.
Pallikal will now attempt to bounce back from her first round defeat at the Greenwich Open when she faces world number four Alison Waters in the opening round of the Cleveland Classic next month.
Click here to watch NDTV’s interview with the world number 12 on her latest honour and her aim to become world number one.