Sunayna trains hard for Asian Games debut

Sunayna is a part of a squad which consists of experienced campaigners in Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa. New Delhi-based Tanvi Khanna completes the four-member roster for the continental event. The Indian contingent will attend a nine-day camp between August 10 and August 18 at the Indian Squash Academy here before it marks its journey to the Indonesian capital city.  

Speaking on her preparations ahead of the Asiad, Sunayna said, “I have been training here at the ISA (Chennai) and I have my coaches with me. I obviously would have liked to have more game-time under my belt but it’s alright.” 

The Chennai-based girl, who trains for about four hours a day, participated at the Malaysian Open in July, which happens to be the only event she has been part of leading up to the Asian Games. After getting past the qualifiers successfully, the local lass faltered in the first round, going down to Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam. 

The country won a record four medals at the Incheon Games four years ago, which included a men’s team gold. Talking about the objectives the women’s side would wish to achieve, she remarked, “The goal is definitely to win a medal but it’s important to take it one step at a time. But on a personal note, I just want to go out there and perform well.”   Asked if she had a chat with the rest of the unit regarding their build-up to the Games, the 19-year-old added, “I have been practising hard and I have only spoken to Dipika (Pallikal), things have been good on her side. I have not really been in constant touch with the other two as yet but I am guessing they are training just as hard.”  

ISA coach Balamurugan said rigorous coaching has been given to Sunayna as she will have to cope with a lot of pressure during the upcoming event. “The training is going in full swing. We are working on areas where she lacks, in which she needs improvement,” he said.   He also heaped praise on her for the hard work she puts in. “She is very serious about sports. She is open to all the advice that is given to her and is a real hard worker. She enjoys what she does and makes my job easier,” he added.