India coach Walker ahead of Squash World Cup: All our players are in good shape, mentally and physically

Ahead of the Squash World Cup beginning on Tuesday, the 56-year-old appeared in good spirits, and hoped India, seeded two, would perform well in the tournament.

Chris said the Indians are in prime shape and if the players can pay their best squash, India can go all the way.  | Photo Credit: K.Keerthivasan

“Where are the new white balls, coach?,” screams Abhay Singh to Chris Walker, the Indian squash team’s foreign coach, before his practice sessions with Saurav Ghosal at the Express Avenue Mall here on Sunday. 

Chris waits for a minute or two and throws a ball at Abhay. Immediately, Chris goes towards Tanvi Khanna, India’s second best player, after Joshna Chinappa, to have a discussion. Later, Joshna starts chatting with the coach after her sparring session with Tanvi. 

It’s the friendly disposition and his ability to listen and offer sagely tips to the players that has endeared him to the top Indian players. 

Ahead of the Squash World Cup beginning at the EA Mall on Tuesday, the 56-year-old appeared in good spirits, and hoped India, seeded two, would perform well in the tournament. 

“I am excited for the event with a new format of seven points. The Intensity and quality in every game will be great. On home turf, I hope the crowd will be behind us. We have a great team with lots of experience,” said Chris, in a conversation with Sportstar. 

He said the Indians are in prime shape and if the players can pay their best squash, India can go all the way. “I think all our players are in good shape, mentally and physically. We still have to prepare, get ready and perform. If everything goes well, we can go all the way,” said Chris. 

On his stint as a coach with the Indian team for one and a half years, Chris said it been a valuable experience seeing the young and old generation of players at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy. “It’s been great to spend time at the National Training Centre and see the young kids. There are several players bubbling underneath the National senior team. The path is presented to the kids, a path the kids can see. There is good potential for the future. Anahat Singh is a great example,” he said. 

Chris said he was keen to see the tournament begin with the crowd rooting for the home team. “I can’t wait to see it full. The atmosphere for the matches is going to be spectacular,” he said.