After Youth Games high, Kush aims for British Open triumph

For squash player Kush Kumar, the high of winning gold at the Asian Youth Games could not have come at a more opportune time after the low of World Junior Championships and he feels that success in Nanjing will act as a catalyst in his endeavour to win British Junior Open.
"I badly needed this win after my below-par performance in the World Juniors in Poland. I did not do well there and lost in the pre-quarterfinals. I was really upset as I had put in a lot of hours in training for the World Championships. This victory has come at a right time for me," Kush told PTI on his return from Nanjing.

"My next aim is to win the British Junior Open, the biggest event in the Junior squash circuit. It's the ultimate dream of every junior squash player to win the trophy," he added.
Kush had finished second in the 2009 edition of the British Junior Open while in January this year, he narrowly lost in the semi-finals.
At his age, when most of the youngsters would have loved an extended celebration for their medal victory, Kush opted to train hard at the Indian Squash Academy for the fifth Indian Junior Open Squash Championship which began in Chennai today.
His maturity level at the age of 19 sets him apart from most of his contemporaries.

"I don't sit back and rest on my laurels. It's not my habit. For me, every day is a new day and I have to prepare myself for the challenges ahead. I am working towards my aim of winning the British Open," he said.

Talking about his gold medal win in the Youth Games where he defeated Mohammad Syafiq Mohd Kamal of Malaysia 3-1 in the boys final, Kush said it was a dream come true for him.
"It's a dream come true for me winning a medal for India. No words can describe my feelings. The final was tough and Kamal gave me a good fight. Overall, I am satisfied with my performance.

"I played my natural game. The training given at the ISA, playing alongside top players and facilities provided at the academy helped me win the medal," he said.