The Hindu : Sport : Joshna eyeing at least a bronze

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Thursday, Nov 02, 2006
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Joshna eyeing at least a bronze

Special Correspondent

— FILE PHOTO

Joshna Chinappa

CHENNAI: These days Joshna Chinappa hardly has spare time. Practice and fitness routines take away much of this squash champion's daily time. Just a month away from the Doha Asian Games, Joshna has set her plans and goals.

"Winning a bronze medal at least," is Joshna's primary goal and she believes, as she set off for Mumbai en route to Cairo for her last phase of preparation, that this is within the realms of possibility, particularly after the progress she has made on the WISPA circuit lately.

Impressive climb

Currently ranked 42, she has jumped nine slots recently because of two wonderful performances in the U.S. (reaching the final in one tournament and the semifinal in another).

Working with the Egyptian coach, Mohammad Medhaat, a former international player, Joshna felt that she had it in her to make further progress. "Not only is he concentrating on my technique and shot-making but he is also my sparring partner. His stress on fitness and flexibility is doing a lot of good," she said, while admitting that she still has to improve.

For the next three weeks, Joshna will be in Cairo, training, playing in clubs, in local tournaments and against some of the best-known players of the world. "No, I will not be facing any of the Asian rivals there," she said.

Tough opponents

Joshna believes that her true challenge would come against the likes of World champion Nicol David, Rebecca Chua and Sharon Wee. "Based on what the draw will be I think I should aim for a silver and perhaps settle for a bronze," she said.

Selected under the Mittal Champions Trust and also a Brand Ambassador of Canara Bank, Joshna's financial needs have been taken care of. With a dietician to help her and a coach to tune her, the Indian is all set.

The SRFI has also cleared her plans. "I had sent them details of my coaching plans and schedules," Joshna said, while acknowledging the Federation's gesture in sending her entry for the Games.

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