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Smashing hit

Qatar Challenge 2006 will give the much-needed impetus to the sport

PHOTO: MOHAMMED YOUSUF

STRIKING RIGHT The first big international tournament in the city did evoke a decent response

The magnificent setting could have inspired even the most average sportsperson to come up with something special. The imposing Falaknuma Palace in the backdrop and the wonderfully designed makeshift all-glass courts, including the flooring, provided the perfect ambience for the best of women squash players in the world to exhibit their skills.

Well, when India's best known player Joshna Chinappa looks back after tripping in the first round of the main draw she would surely be tempted to ask for a chance to revel again under such a spectacular setting as the Qatar Challenge 2006 WISPA squash tournament. The tournament concluded with the reigning world champion Nicol David dethroning Rachael Grinham of Australia.

But results apart, the first big international squash tournament in the city did evoke a decent response both at the Secunderabad Club (where three new courts were set up for the event and will now be a permanent feature) and, for the semi-finals and final, at Falaknuma Palace.

Thanks to the initiative of N. Ramachandran secretary-general of Squash Racket Federation of India and president of Asian Squash Federation the Hyderabadis had a chance to witness some exciting matches. It also gave them a chance to get a feel of the sport that made the Khan brothers from Pakistan, Jansher and Jahangir, so famous and gave a special identity to that sport in Pakistan. .

For the average squash players in the twin cities, honing their skills at the Jubilee Hills International Centre and other private clubs, the event provided them with a big opportunity to make an honest assessment of where they stand and the areas they to have work on to make a mark for themselves.

And for those how need inspiration, the stunning success story of Rachael Grinham who hails from a remote village of Toowoosmba that is 60 miles away from Brisbane and is daughter of an electrician should be the perfect example of how sporting excellence can be achieved if one has the intense desire and will to succeed under trying circumstances.

And when the 23-year-old Nicol David showed her remarkable ability to fight back from the brink of disaster in the semi-final and the final to clinch the title it presented the other side of sport for all the budding stars - never to give up even when you are down and struggling.

The budding players sincerely believe that the sport will get the much needed impetus after this event, which is one of the top three competitions in the world for women with a prize money of $80,000. Interestingly, the squash rackets don't cost much with a good quality one available for Rs. 500 for beginners.

Clearly the onus is on the players and the officials now to see that Hyderabad produces a couple of champions in the near future given the new infrastructure available at the new venues.

V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM

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