Sourav, Joshna are bullish on India’s prospects

Sourav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa are upbeat about India’s chances at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games later this month.

Sourav, the world No. 15, said the Indian teams could win three to four medals, but with preparations for the Games just beginning, all that would be overshadowed by the camp to sharpen skills. “Hopefully everything will come together in the next couple of weeks (here in camp),” he said.

The 35-year-old said he is preparing hard in the USA with his coach David Palmer and is looking forward to the camp. “We are in the home stretch preparations. “It’s all about keeping the body ticking by keeping the mind and body fresh,” he said.

“This is our best chance to win medals,” Joshna said. Asian champion and world no. The 17-year-old is clearly focused on the doubles and will do her best to win a medal in the singles this time as well. “I think we definitely have a great chance to medal in doubles. But this time I will try to win a medal in singles,’ she said.

Bringing former world champion and world number 1 Gregory Gaultier to Chennai along with the Indian players is the best thing that has happened to Indian squash, she said.

“It’s great to have someone of Gregory (Gaultier’s) caliber. He is still playing at an incredible level. With his skill and knowledge, it will definitely be a boost.

“Also, Sebastien Bonmalais (French player ranked 33rd in the world) sparred very well. It’s nice to have fresh minds. It was great to come on the court with them and have the whole Indian team together,” she added.

The former world no., who has not played competitive singles for the past three years. 10 Deepika Pallikal, who recently won gold at the World Doubles Championship, will not be surprised to play only doubles with Joshna. “She (Deepika) is a doubles specialist. After discussing with her, we have decided that she should stick to doubles,” SRFI secretary Cyrus Poncha said.

Squads: Men: Singles: Saurav Ghosal, Ramit Tandon, Abhay Singh; Doubles: Ramit & Harinderpal Singh, S. Velavan & Abhay Singh.

Mixed Doubles: Saurav & Dipika Pallikal; Ramit & Joshna Chinnappa.

Women: Singles: Joshna, Sunayana Kuruvilla, Anahat Singh; Doubles: Joshna & Deepika; Sunayana & Anahat.

Train Box: Chris Walker.