CHENNAI: Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal have been a force to reckon with in Indian women’s squash for many years. While Dipika opted for a break from the sport in 2018 and welcomed twins last year, Joshna continued to soldier on.
However, with Dipika making a return to the circuit, Joshna couldn’t be happier. The two will be in action together after over three years at the forthcoming WSF World doubles squash championships to be held in Glasgow from April 5-9. The duo last featured in the Indian team during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
“Dipika worked very hard on her fitness to get back on court. It will be fun to compete together once again. We have been training hard for the last four months at the PSA Academy in Chennai and hope to recreate the magic again,” Joshna told TOI on Saturday.
Joshna feels Dipika’s big-tournament experience will come handy in what promises to be a busy year. “She is an experienced campaigner who knows how to raise her game. This is our first tournament together in a long time. It will be important for us to not put any undue pressure on ourselves and just go out there to give our best,” the 35-year-old said.
As far as her own individual goals go Joshna doesn’t want to think too far ahead. “The ultimate goal is always to win a medal each time I step on the court. However, at the stage I am in the key will be to set smaller targets for myself and then see how it goes,” Joshna said.
On the biggest change she has brought to her game in recent times, Joshna said, “I have worked very hard on my fitness. Not that I wasn’t putting in effort before but in the last couple of years it has gone up by a few notches. Staying fit and injury-free is the most important aspect for any player,” Joshna stressed.
However, with Dipika making a return to the circuit, Joshna couldn’t be happier. The two will be in action together after over three years at the forthcoming WSF World doubles squash championships to be held in Glasgow from April 5-9. The duo last featured in the Indian team during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
“Dipika worked very hard on her fitness to get back on court. It will be fun to compete together once again. We have been training hard for the last four months at the PSA Academy in Chennai and hope to recreate the magic again,” Joshna told TOI on Saturday.
Joshna feels Dipika’s big-tournament experience will come handy in what promises to be a busy year. “She is an experienced campaigner who knows how to raise her game. This is our first tournament together in a long time. It will be important for us to not put any undue pressure on ourselves and just go out there to give our best,” the 35-year-old said.
As far as her own individual goals go Joshna doesn’t want to think too far ahead. “The ultimate goal is always to win a medal each time I step on the court. However, at the stage I am in the key will be to set smaller targets for myself and then see how it goes,” Joshna said.
On the biggest change she has brought to her game in recent times, Joshna said, “I have worked very hard on my fitness. Not that I wasn’t putting in effort before but in the last couple of years it has gone up by a few notches. Staying fit and injury-free is the most important aspect for any player,” Joshna stressed.
