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Indian squad to leave for Paris for World Team women's squash tourney
The Indian team, comprising Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pallikal Karthik, Akanksha Salunkhe and Sunayna Kuruvilla, would be leaving for Paris on November 26 to take part in the World Women's Team Squash championship to be held in the French capital from November 27 to December 3.
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Unlike in the past, the team had a rigorous camp stretching to over three weeks at the Indian Squash Academy under the watchful eyes of National coach Cyrus Poncha and Egyptian coach Achraf El Karargui.Â
Karargui was happy that all members turned up at the camp. "They are all tuned up and should do well," he said.Â
In the previous edition in 2014 in Canada, India, which was unseeded, went on to finish 14th.
Joshna, highest ranked Indian (13 in the PSA list), said the break from the PSA tour had helped her in recouping and also in sharpening skills at the camp.Â
She said the interaction with Karargui was helpful and felt positive vibes from the foreign coach's advices.
Cyrus Poncha, who was travelling with the team along with Physio M Dimple, said it was nice to see the preparations, but felt the challenge ahead was overwhelming.Â
"Our first target will be to qualify for the last eight and achieving that itself will be exceptional," he added.Â
India is seeded ninth this time, but grouped along with title aspirants and top seeded Egypt, higher seeded New Zealand (eight) and Mexico (13).
India has a tough task ahead in aiming to finish second in the Group, which was the minimum requirement for qualifying to the last eight for which it has to beat both Mexico and New Zealand.
On paper, a win against Mexico was not an issue, but Joelle King-led New Zealand was a different cup of tea.Â
Joelle has been doing well, ranked 9th in the world and she had won eight out of 10 times in her meetings with Joshna.Â
The only positive was that when the two met last in July in an International invitation event in Malaysia, the Indian had upstaged her.Â
Joshna will have to reproduce that form and confidence and leave Dipika, the strong number two, to display her ability to seal it off for India.
Considering only Joshna and Dipika have the experience at this level, the onus would be on them to win matches and not let a decider tie go to inexperienced Akanksha or Sunayna.Â
Joshna said "we have set qualification as our first goal and then take it forward from there. I had a good camp and I am also confident that Dipika will win her matches."
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