Special occasion: Squash players and coaches at the felicitation function of the National federation and HCL in Delhi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: Kamesh Srinivasan
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), along with its long-standing supporter HCL, felicitated the World and Asian medallists, and presented the players and coaches, a total cash award of ₹11 lakh, here on Tuesday.
Even though a bunch of youngsters won everyone’s hearts for their impressive performances, the fiery foursome of Joshna Chinappa, Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar, came for universal applause for having swept all the three gold medals in the Asian doubles championship.
The world doubles champion with Dipika Pallikal, Joshana thanked the National federation and HCL for all the support to the players and the felicitation function.
“HCL has played a huge part in our progress. I hope they continue to support the next generation.
“Team events are always fun. It was special to be part of this team. It was fun playing doubles with Anahat, and sharing the room with her, as she is one of the most entertaining players on team,” said Joshana.
The secretary general of SRFI, Cyrus Poncha, who conducted the function in a crisp way, praised Abhay Singh for winning an 89-minute marathon with Velavan, and quickly coming back to win the mixed doubles with Anahat.
“Anahat can listen on court, and not off it. She executed the game plan very well,” said Abhay.
Competing in both the juniors apart from the professional events, Anahat had to make repeated walks to the stage to receive the awards, from the SRFI president Anil Wadhwa, and the Head of Brand Strategy of HCL, Rajat Chandolia.
Indian players had won two gold, three silver and three bronze for their best haul in the Asian junior championship in Korea, apart from medals in the Asian junior team championship in Hong Kong.
They had also won two medals in the World junior championship in Cairo, including the individual medal by Anahat.
Conceding that it was quite tough to compete in so many events, Anahat said that she loved doing it.
“It is the sport I love. I like to travel and meet people. I really enjoy competing around the world,” said Anahat.
“Our focus is to multiply human potential. We are in it for a long haul,” assured Rajat Chandolia, expressing delight at the way the sport has progressed in the last decade.
Published – August 26, 2025 07:37 pm IST
