Asian and Commonwealth Games squash medallists feted

Gold medallists at the Asian and Commonwealth Games and other medallists as also the fresh Arjuna Award winner Anaka Alankamony were felicitated here Friday by the Squash Rackets Federation of India.

Barring Saurav Ghosal, Alankamony and Mahesh Mangaonkar, the rest - Dipika Pallikal, Joshna Chinappa, Aparajitha Balamurukan, Harinderpal Sandhu, Kush Kumar - were present to receive a plaque each from the day's chief guest V.K. Jeyakodi, member secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

The big moments in Indian squash in recent times starting with Kush Kumar's bronze medal win in the World juniors in Namibia (first by a junior male player) to the Commonwealth Games gold medal success through Dipika and Joshna and the Asian Games medal rush of one gold, two silver and a bronze medal were detailed by national coach Cyrus Poncha in his introductory address.

Poncha read out a message from Saurav, who said: "Winning the team gold along with Mahesh, Kush and my best friend Harry (Sandhu) was definitely the happiest moment of my life and I will always cherish it."

Describing the heroes of the day as "true ambassadors of Indian squash, Poncha hoped that the deeds would inspire a whole generation of young talents in the country."