The Hindu : Sport / Squash : Joshna-SRFI spat continues

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 02, 2006

Sport

Sport - Squash

Joshna-SRFI spat continues

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: World junior runner-up and national champion, Joshna Chinappa can take part only in the individual event in the Asian senior squash championship starting in Chinese Taipei on February 20.

This much is clear from the continuing differences that exist between the Squash Rackets Federation of India and the player.

"By making wild and inaccurate accusations against the national coach and the Federation to government officials and the media, you cannot expect the Federation to be normal to her," said Mr. N. Ramachandran, SRFI Secretary-General when contacted.

"Joshna had wanted us to send her entry for the individual event only. She herself wanted it that way," he said on why the SRFI had decided on fielding a team without her.

Meanwhile Anjan Chinappa, Joshna's father stated that the SRFI had not replied to his daughter's letter sent on December 14 requesting that her entry be sent for the Asian championship. "Unless we know that her entry has gone and a confirmation received on the matter how can we apply for visa and go about for her travel plans. Why is the Federation not replying to her", he asked. "Delaying matters will jeopardise her participation because as an individual entry (and not as a member of the national squad), it will take time for visa clearances", said the father of a player who has received commendation from the Central Government and the State Government for her deeds.

Mr. Ramachandran said, "As a WISPA player who regularly moves around for various tournaments, she has never needed the Federation's involvement for her visa matters and so why now." According to him Joshna can confirm her entry (for the Asian Championship) by checking the draw, which will be put up after the last date for entries.

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