The Punj Lloyd PSA Masters (in December) will bring the world's top 32 players to our city as they battle for a USD 152,500 purse.
The Punj Lloyd PSA Masters (in December) will bring the world's top 32 players to our city as they battle for a USD 152,500 purse.
Saurav Ghosal and I are playing the event and we are raring to go, so there is that bit of local interest as well. But I think to have the world's best, right here in our own backyard is something that sport enthusiasts would truly treasure.
Each of these top players have unique skills and attributes and for the spectators and more importantly the kids, who will get a chance to watch the event, to be able to comprehend and absorb their skills and appreciate their work ethic over six days would be phenomenal.
I have always dreamt about playing in India in the biggest tournament ever and doing really well. I know how much exposure to the best has helped me, not just to play better, but also in terms of vision, work ethic and courage.u00a0 A live international sporting event is a must for all kids no matter what sport they play, as even subconsciously they will absorb all that a world class player is about.
Squash has evolved a lot over the last couple of years. We now have better, lighter rackets, a more consistent squash ball, a fantastic glass court called the 'thunderdome' which has made squash a true spectator sport.
The scoring has changed to 11 points and the tin has been lowered to 17 inches, making squash a much more explosive and attacking game. It's is a sport in which players have to be agile, flexible, strong, fit and yet think tactically. That's why it's also referred to as 'physical chess'.
I am always asked whether I feel cricket is hurting other sports in the country. There is no doubt that cricket has been marketed in a fantastic manner and it is no surprise that it is followed like religion in our country. But I firmly believe that there is room for other sports as well.
We have seen what Abhinav Bindra, Saina Nehwal and Pankaj Advani are capable of. There are many more world-class performers out there. And with corporates like Punj Lloyd coming forward and supporting sport, we are one step closer to finding them.
The writer is a five-time national squash champion.
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