‘Indians can win medals in singles and doubles’

Top Indian squash player Sourav Ghosal and former world champion and world No.1 Gregory Gaultier of France engaged in a 40-minute practice session at the Indian Squash Academy here on Monday.

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Another player Harinderpal Singh watched the action from court side. “Look at him! It’s not every day you get a player of Gaultier’s caliber to practice. You learn a lot by watching his movements, how he positions himself for shots,” said Harinderpal.

Sourav looks tired but cheerful. The 39-year-old Frenchman, who will be here for the next 12 days to train India’s senior teams for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, hopes to help India win a big medal.

Was happy

Speaking to The Hindu, Gaultier said: “I am happy to be here, trying to help the Indian boys and girls in their preparations for the CWG; That is the main goal. I hope to bring as much energy and knowledge as possible.

“Had a good session with Joshna (Chinappa) in the morning (Monday) where I gave her some tips. I have been friends with Sourav for a long time. Indians can win medals in both singles and doubles. I wish them the best.”

Since debuting on the PSA Tour in 2000 (he retires in 2021), Gaultier has won a record 44 Tour titles in 83 finals and spent 20 months at the top of the rankings.

Explaining what it takes to stay at the top, he said: “It takes a lot of discipline and sacrifices to make throughout your career. You should have a good team with you — a good fitness coach, mental coach and physio. That’s why I was able to stay at the top for as long as possible. It was the best experience of my life,” said Gaultier, who coaches junior players in the USA and Prague.