Squash

Joshna Chinappa: Full-time national coach a must

The Squash Rackets Federation of India is said to have made a decision to shift to an 'event-based' coaching — to hire experts on short-term basis, that is.

S. Prasanna Venkatesan
Chennai 15 October, 2019 21:55 IST

Joshna Chinappa in action during the 2018 Asian Games semifinals in Jakarata.   -  PTI

S. Prasanna Venkatesan
Chennai 15 October, 2019 21:55 IST

The Indian squash players have been training without a full-time coach since Egyptian Ashraf El Karargui left ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) is said to have made a decision to shift to an 'event-based' coaching — to hire experts on short-term basis, that is. It has decided to have players like two-time World champion David Palmer train players before a high-profile tournament.

Talking about it, top Indian squash player and World No. 12 Joshna Chinappa at the Indian Squash Academy on Tuesday said, "In my personal opinion, I do think a full-time coach is a must. It's very important to have someone everyone can go to, or look up to, or get inputs about their game from, no matter where you are.

"And we did have that two years ago, with the last coach who was here. It was superbly positive for all of us. I do think if that happens again it would be really good. And I hope it does happen."