15 August,2011 09:56 AM IST | | Priyanjali Ghose
Squash Champion Saurav Ghosal reveals that the 100 miles per hour behind the ball still excites him
If cricket is religion, then squash is a cult in India, says 24-year-old squash player Saurav Ghosal. Ranked 26 in the world, Ghosal fell in love with squash watching his father play it as a hobby.
Though he used to play both cricket and squash in childhood, at the age of eight, he realised that his truly calling lay in the latter. "Squash is an individual sport. I realised it comes to me naturally. It is the challenge that drives you forward and keeps you hooked to the sport," he says.
Ghosal, who recently participated in the recent World Series Viridian Australian Open in Canberra, reveals that winning the U-19 British Junior Open Squash title in 2004 is one of the biggest momentsu00a0 in his career till date. Born in Kolkata and brought up in Chennai, this economics and management graduate from the University of Leeds, UK practices everyday for around six hours and is inspired by squash champion Amr Shaban from Egypt. However, he says that to be a squash champion, one needs to devote enough time. "You can't have another job if you want to make a career out of it," he says.
Hard work topped with dedication is the key to success, states Ghosal. However, he says that it is the enjoyment factor that ultimately drives a sportsman. For squash to reach the level of a national sport, Ghosal agrees that certain steps need to be taken. "Introducing squash in schools will heighten its popularity and encourage youngsters to play it.
Nowadays, many corporate houses are encouraging their staff to play it, which is a good sign," says Ghosal, who admits that he does not have much of a social life but enjoys playing badminton once in a while. Shuttling between UK and India, Ghosal says that he would soon be conducting squash sessions across India.
