Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa believe India has to copy the squash model being rolled out in England to help boost the game in their country.
“India needs more venues, better infrastructure and spectatorship, ” said world number 15 Ghosal this week. “The international venues are fantastic. It gives you a feeling of being a rockstar as you are watched by so many people. The New York and Manchester courts pump up my adrenaline.”
Ghosal, from Kolkarta, saw saw the difference in facilities and mindset when he went to England to train with Malcolm Willstrop in 2005. “There are more players to train with in England. The support staff and physiotherapists are far advanced than in India,” he added.
Chinappa, India’s No. 2 woman player, backed Ghosal and called for a structured programme in India. “Having good courts won’t serve the purpose. India needs a system in place. Saurav, Dipika (Pallikal) and I did not have any system,” she said.
Chinappa revealed how she had to struggle to get sponsors. “Squash is an expensive sport and one cannot make money out of it unless he or she is in the top 10. There should be more tournaments and players from all categories should be supported,” she added.