Squash: Ashraf on his way out?

Ashraf el Karargi's contract expires next year, however, SRFI is keen on retaining the services of the Egyptian coach.

SRFI has requested Ashraf to be with the squad for the Asian Games scheduled in Jakarta & Palembang from August 18 to September 2.

Ashraf el Karargi, Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) foreign coach, has indicated his unwillingness to continue in his job due to personal reasons, sources in SRFI confirmed.

Ashraf, who took over the reins in July 2016, earned praise from stars Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa for his inputs and style of coaching.

Under his tutelage, Joshna won the women’s gold in the Asian individual championship in April last year, Dipika the silver and Saurav Ghosal, the silver in men’s. In fact, the Egyptian’s contract expires only in 2019. It is reliably learnt that SRFI is in discussions with Ashraf and is keen to retain him until the end of his tenure.

This year, the 52-year-old Ashraf will be with the Indian team for the Tournament of Champions in New York (January 18 to 25), Windy City Open in Chicago (February 22 to 28) and the Commonwealth Games (April 4 to 15).

SRFI has requested Ashraf to be with the squad for the Asian Games scheduled in Jakarta & Palembang from August 18 to September 2. A clear picture is expected by March.