Velavan has promised he won’t leave the Tour: Achraf

Just when Velavan was finding his feet in World squash, after he won the Asian Junior Championship last year, he got a chance to pursue graduation in Economics in Columbia University. 

This came as a jolt to everyone following the player’s progress. Velavan’s father, Senthilkumar, admitted that it was a tough decision to choose between squash and studies. 

“If there was any chance of his continuing in any famous institution in India and playing squash also, Vela could have done that. Now he has got an opportunity in a reputed institution abroad, we have taken this decision though it is tough,” he said. 

Players like Anaka Alankamony and Kush Kumar, who are both in the USA for higher studies, have not been exactly as free for higher grade squash as they had expected prior to leaving India but Velavan has promised the Indian coach that he wouldn’t be the same. 

Indian coach Achraf El Karagui said the lad had promised him that he won’t leave squash. 

“He has the potential to get into the top-40 in the world very soon. He follows an excellent work ethic that is essential in any player’s rise. We have chalked a long-term plan for his PSA tours and he has promised me that wouldn’t leave the PSA. I would be following his progress very closely and guide him to be one of the best talents India have ever produced,” Karagui said.