Exclusive! Joshna Chinappa Eyes Medal Glory for India as Squash Set to Make Olympic Debut in LA 2028

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Ace Indian squash player Joshna Chinappa has seen the landscape of Indian squash evolve dramatically over the past decade. The sport has seen significant growth, with increased grassroots participation and a stronger international presence.

Chinappa (37), who has been the poster girl for squash in India winning several accolades in her illustrious career, was conferred with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civil honour for her contribution, earlier this year.

In an exclusive interaction with myKhel, Chinappa - who is the record holder of most national squash championship wins (18) and has been at the forefront of all such achievements - claimed winning the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2014 with her doubles partner Dipika Pallikal was a defining moment in her career, significantly elevating the status of squash in India.

The Chennai-born squash player reckons India's consistent performances and podium finishes at prestigious events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games and breaking into the top 10 of the world rankings bodes well for the growth of the sport in the country.

The former Asian squash champion also believes the inclusion of squash as an Olympic sport is a monumental boost for players worldwide, providing an unparalleled platform to showcase their skills. Chinappa further claimed that India has the talent and potential to win an Olympic medal in squash in the near future.

Here are the excerpts:

Q: Can you share your journey to receiving the Padma Shri award? What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally? How has receiving the Padma Shri influenced your future goals and aspirations in sports?

Ans: It's a true honour and a privilege to receive an award of this stature. I feel truly grateful to be recognised for my efforts and commitment to sports. I hope this inspires and motivates aspiring players to look up and aim high while investing their time, efforts and energy to achieve their goals.

I understand the magnitude and responsibilities that come with receiving such an honour. I hope to work with kids at the grassroots level in squash with hopes of encouraging and nurturing the amazing talent in our country.

Q: How has your commitment to fitness contributed to your success in squash and how does this align with ASICS' brand values?

Ans: I believe fitness is the key to success when you talk about sports, be it squash or any other sport. Being constant in training dedicatedly has worked in my favour to achieve my goals and reach where I am today. But it becomes easier, and more joyful when you have the right partners who support you in your journey. Associating with ASICS feels natural, and I derive inspiration from their brand philosophy of "Sound Mind Sound Body".

When it comes to ASICS' products, especially their shoes, I know I can trust them without a fraction of a doubt. Whether you talk about the technology or about the cushioning that delivers the right movement helps me to contribute 100% towards my performance - both on and off the court.

I value my association with ASICS for their constant practice to innovate and their dedication to supporting athletes at all levels, including myself, to reach our full potential.

Squash as a sport requires immense mental focus and strategic thinking. My training includes exercises that enhance concentration and decision-making under pressure. With the right gear, half the job is done - that's what ASICS is to me - a trusted partner.

Q: What advice would you give to young athletes who are striving to excel in their chosen fields?

Ans: My advice to young players would be to stay focused, believe in yourself and work really hard towards your goals. Strive to be the best version on and off the court! Anything can be achieved with the right team around you, being dedicated to your craft and enjoying what you do!

Q: How did the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games shape your career?

Ans: Winning the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games was indeed a defining moment in my career, and profoundly enriched my journey as a professional squash player. This achievement went a long way in elevating the status and awareness of squash in India.

It also demonstrated the potential of Indian athletes to compete and succeed at the highest levels. This milestone has inspired me to continue striving for excellence, and it serves as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and the right support system.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career, and how have you overcome them? Who have been your role models in sports, and how have they influenced your approach to the game?

Ans: When I started squash it was a relatively unknown sport. It was hard to find the financial support as well as quality training. I had to go abroad quite often to train and improve. Also, dealing with injuries during my career were challenging. I have had a couple of surgeries on my knees over the past few years; coming back from those setbacks to compete at the highest level is a proud and satisfying moment for me.

Q: Squash is finally an Olympic sport and it will be making its debut in LA 2028. How big is it a boost to the squash players? Do you think India has the talent to win an Olympic medal in the sport in the near future?

Ans: Well, it is a remarkable moment for all the aspiring and outstanding squash players worldwide. The inclusion of squash as an Olympic sport is a monumental boost for players worldwide, providing us with an unparalleled platform to showcase our skills and compete at the highest level.

This recognition will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes and elevate the sport's profile globally. For Indian squash players, this is a tremendous opportunity to strive for Olympic glory and make our mark on the world stage. I firmly believe that India has the talent and potential to win an Olympic medal in squash in the near future.

Q: What are your future goals in squash and beyond, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Ans: My future goals in squash include continuing to compete at the highest levels, and aiming to continue winning all the major international titles. Beyond my personal achievements, I am passionate about promoting squash at the grassroots level in India, inspiring young athletes, and contributing to the growth of the sport in my country.

To achieve these goals, I am committed to rigorous training and continuous improvement. Additionally, I plan to engage in initiatives that nurture young talent, create better training facilities, and increase the visibility of squash, ensuring that future generations have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

Q: How do you rate the journey of Indian squash in the last ten years? How can squash improve at the grassroots level in India?

Ans: The journey of Indian squash over the past ten years has been nothing short of being called 'remarkable'. We have witnessed a significant transformation in Indian squash over the years, with increased participation at the grassroots level and a stronger presence on the international stage.

Indian squash players have consistently performed well in international tournaments, winning Gold medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games while being up there in the top 10 in the World's Rankings.

With all the support coming from training facilities, the growing pool of talented young players has contributed to this progress. The past decade has truly been a period of growth and development, setting a solid foundation for the future of squash in India.

To further elevate squash at the grassroots level, it is essential to focus on developing infrastructure, offering enhanced training programs, and fostering a strong sporting culture from a young age.

Also, encouraging schools to include squash in their physical education curriculum and organising more local tournaments can also play a crucial role. With continued investment and a collaborative effort, we can build a robust pipeline of talented players who can carry Indian squash to even greater heights.

Q: How do you see the relationship between physical fitness and mental well-being, especially in the context of high-performance sports?

Ans: As a professional athlete, I have experienced first-hand the profound connection between physical fitness and mental well-being, particularly in the realm of high-performance sports.

As I mentioned before, physical fitness is not merely about maintaining a certain level of performance or achieving specific athletic milestones; it is deeply intertwined with mental resilience and overall well-being.

Engaging in regular physical activity helps reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function, which is essential for staying focused and motivated. For me, the discipline and routine of training not only conditions my body but also fortifies my mind against the pressures and challenges that come with competitive squash.

Mental wellness is as important as the physical aspect. Playing sport at the highest level comes with its own pressures and expectations and it's important to handle expectations and challenges. Meditation and Visualisation have played a huge role in my game by helping me stay centred. Working with a sports psychologist as well is a necessity while competing!

ASICS's innovative approach to sportswear and equipment, designed to support optimal physical performance, also promotes mental clarity and confidence. By ensuring that I have the best possible gear, ASICS helps me stay at the peak of my physical fitness, which in turn, enhances my mental fortitude.

Q: Can you discuss your partnership with ASICS and how their products have supported your training and performance?

Ans: Partnering with ASICS feels seamless and considering the brand's focus on innovation and empowering athletes resonates deeply with my values. I am glad to say that ASICS products have directly supported my performance. ASICS shoes have been a game-changer for me both on and off the court.

As we know, Squash as a sport demands agility and explosiveness, and ASICS footwear and apparel provide the perfect blend of support and responsiveness I need to perform at my best.

For me personally, ASICS shoes provide exceptional fit and support. Feeling confident in my gear is a huge mental boost too. ASICS designs prioritize both weight and responsiveness, offering shoes that feel like an extension of my body. This translates to explosive starts, efficient transitions, and that crucial final kick at the end of the match.

Even their apparel is designed with high-quality, breathable materials that allow me to move freely and stay cool even during the most gruelling workouts. The perfect fit brings comfort wherein the ACTIBREEZE^TM technology used to craft their apparel bring in the cool and dry feeling that allows me to focus entirely on the game.

Being a Japanese brand, ASICS constantly pushes boundaries in sports science. Their shoes incorporate cutting-edge technologies like gel cushioning systems or responsive midsoles.

These advancements translate into improved performance and help me reach my peak potential on the court. My partnership with ASICS is more than just a brand endorsement. It's a collaboration built on a dedication to excellence and a passion for inspiring athletes to achieve their best.

Q: You, Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal have been the flag bearers of squash in the country in the last decade or more. Having witnessed the journey of Indian squash up close and personal, how good is the current breed of squash players in the country? What does it need to do to become a powerhouse in the sport?

Ans: Honestly, I am glad to witness the journey of Indian squash players up close alongside Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal, it has been incredibly inspiring. The current squash players in India are exceptionally talented and dedicated, they are showcasing promising wins on the national and international stages.

I would like to highlight here that to become a powerhouse in this sport, requires good investment in enhancing training facilities and providing consistent support through sponsorships and mentorship.

Collaborations with brands like ASICS India, which prioritise athlete performance and development, are essential in this endeavour. By fostering a strong sporting culture, increasing access to world-class coaching, and encouraging participation from a young age, we can ensure that Indian squash continues to thrive and achieve greater heights globally.