Press Report 1999

Press Reports (1999)

MID-DAY: 8-7-1999 Sunder Rajan

WHY do we not produce top class players? Various reasons are advanced. Like lack of facilities. Absence of expert coaches. Poverty, malnutrition, lack of a sports ethos. The list is endless. There are also some pet theories. Like, we do not have a killer instinct.

These factors do hamper growth. But, then, many countries around the world are similarly handicapped. How come Latin Americans, Africans and South-East Asians produce champions even though some of them are poorer than we are?

The true cause, in my humble view, is that we do precious little to promote young talent. On the contrary, we seem hell-bent on destroying promising players.

The sad plight of Joshna Chinnappa provides the latest instance. The entire squash community ought to have rejoiced when she became the first Indian Junior to win a major event at the Malaysian Open recently.

Instead, the Squash Rackets Federation of India slapped a show cause notice on her. Joshna's fault, if it can be so called, was that she had also entered the under-13 event. It mattered little that the organizers had welcomed her entry and that there were others who had entered two events. Joshna was forced to withdraw, possibly to provide other girls in the Indian team with a chance to gain laurels.

What needed to be appreciated and applauded was that Joshna, not yet 13, completed against players who were older and more experienced than she and won the under-15 event. Her triumph proclaimed her class. Joshna has been consistently providing eloquent evidence of her worth. She won the Scottish under-13 and was a semi-finalist at the British Open. She was also a member of the Indian team that won a bronze at the Asian Junior Championships.

Far from being provided with all the help, encouragement and moral as well as well financial support that she richly deserved in the light of her outstanding performances Joshna has been dealt a cruel blow. She has not been considered for the Indian team for the forthcoming World Junior Championships at Antwerp.

It is hard to believe the charge that Joshna failed to attend the training camp for the probable because she is based in Chennai where the so-called camp was held. The fact that another player guilty of the same charge took part in the trials to select the team clearly shows a deliberate attempt to keep out Joshna. Imagine a deep-rooted conspiracy by officials and coaches against a talented girl who is not yet 13! It is too shocking for words. In India though it is quite common. Talent and performance are not the sole criteria for selection. You need to know-how the officials. Humor them. Carry their bags. Run errands for them. Please them in every possible way. Prostrate before them. They are the monarchs of all they survey.

Their word is law. They will bestow India colours if they are pleased with services rendered. In fact, this cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming process of a camp for the probable, some of whom may not stand any chance of selection, and the subsequent trials to pick the team is simply a devious way to oblige the favorites. If the objective was to pick the best Joshna would have walked into the team because she had defeated one of those preferred in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open, And at least one other among the remaining three is no match for her. Indeed, the best way to judge a player's worth is to go by her performances in the cauldron of competition. Camps and selection trials do not have the same cutting edge. Since the tension and pressures are much less. There is every danger of the choice falling on players who, like Mohammed Azharuddin, can bat well at the nets. The irony is that the SRFI has condoned players who had committed a breach of discipline and come down on those who have delivered. No action has been taken in at least two instances in recent times where the players' conduct undermined the interests of the team.

The SRFI has also succeeded in dampening the enthusiasm of Joshna's parents who have made a lot of sacrifices in terms of time, money and labour to bring up their ward and send her out for tournaments at home and abroad. These considerations obviously did not weigh with those who have the onerous task of promoting squash. Nor the damage their high-handedness will cause to a budding player.

SRFI Puppet Show Goes On

2-7-1999: MID-DAY By Raju Chainani

THE tales of the unexpected continue to flow from the corridors of power in Indian squash. Leaving out Joshna Chinappa from the world junior squad was one mystery. Now comes another as 16 times women's national champion Bhuvaneshwari Kumari has been given the cold shoulder and Cyrus Poncha, the current flavour of the month, is to accompany the team to Antwerp. Bhuvaneshwari was at the selection trials in Chennai as a Government of India observer. There is no better person qualified to train the girls. Sixteen national titles, Arjuna Awardee, closely associated with the development of the junior and senior girls says it all. The difference between her and Poncha is like chalk

Shock Treatment!

MID-DAY (28-6-1999) By Raju Chainani

STAND aside Ripley's. This one's for real. It concerns a young squash player from Chennai, a certain Joshna Chinappa who is just twelve years and eight moths old.

Her victory over her Chennai colleague Pia Abraham in the semifinal and top seed and local favourite Teng Ooi Ean in the final of the girls under-15 event at the recent Malaysian Junior Open was something to crow about. Her was a very talented junior taking on girls in a higher age-group and beating them comprehensively. Instead of earning the praise of the parent body: the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), she was served with a show cause notice.

"We have been advised by Officials of SRA of Malaysia that you/daughter have been in direct contact with them regarding your daughter's entry/draw for the Malaysian Junior Open. You are aware that players/parents can not contact/correspond with National Federations outside India and will have to necessarily go through the SRFI. We have viewed your attempts as a gross violation of discipline. Please show cause as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against you/your daughter within 10 days of receipt of this letter."

The Indian juniors had entered for two events, the Sport excel Milo which was played in Ipoh and the Malaysian Junior Open which followed at Kuala Lumpur. "In Kuala Lumpur, Major S Maniam (Malaysia's head coach) asked Joshna to participate in the under-13 as well. We had sent her entry via the SRFI for the under-15. We had no idea that entries to two age-groups were allowed. Joshna agreed to Maniam's suggestion and paid the entry fee. Her name was in the draw for the under-13 and under-15 events but Indian coach Rajiv Reddy objected and her name with drawn from the under-13", said Sunitha Chinappa, Joshna's mother. "My husband Anjan informed SRFI Secretary General N Ramchandran who said he'd look into the matter but never got back to us. Coach Reddy, instead of aiding a 12-year-old player from his hometown who had travelled alone to Kuala Lumpur, did everything to remove her from an event she would very likely have won! I wrote to Ramchandran asking for an explanation as to who Joshna was denied her legitimate right to play in the under-13, and requested him to investigate the matter. I was asked to withdraw my letter!!," added Mrs Chinappa.

The letter from the Chinappa had been short and to the point. "Mr Reddy's needless interference at Malaysia has been explicitly detailed. Please inform me of the specific, approved bylaws/regulations of SRFI Joshna/I are alleged to have violated and furnish concrete complaints, if any, that the Malaysian authorities have made to SRFI. It should be noted that all Joshna's entries, be they for the Singapore, Scottish, British tournaments were merely forwarded through the SRFI, but all details such as entry forms, age classifications, payment of entry fee, draw, accommodation were obtained by me directly from the respective international associations, through e-mail, fax phone and websites. The SRFI does not provide a player with all this information or services making it inevitable that parents/players have to deal directly with the host associations." Caught on the back foot, the SRFI withdrew its show cause notice. But was this ordeal necessary?

SRAM SUMMER CAMP (30-5-99)

RESULT:

Boys U-11: Nikhil Sheth beat Varun Dattani 15-5, 15-6, 15-3;

Boys U-16: Bipin Batra beat Rahil Shah 12-15, 15-3, 13-15, 15-7, 15-5;

Boys U-19: Rohan Gracious beat Nirhir Bhagat 15-2, 15-5, 15-5

Rehmat, ISP Deny Rumours Of Rift

Indian Express: 26-2-99

Squash coach Rehmat Khan and the Indian Squash Professional have stated that there is no truth in media reports that suggest acrimony between them. Both Khan and ISP director Mahendra Agarwal said that the report claiming that the former was "sacked" by ISP is false. He had never entered any contract with us. So there is no question of sacking him" Agarwal told Indian Express today. Khan said all his dues had been cleared by the Squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra (SRAM), who had contracted as coach for two years. The contract, which expired on December 1998, needed him to impart 80 days of coaching in a year. These rumours against me are being spread by people who want to malign my name. I have worked hard for two years and have what I believe, produced good results with the boys here, said Khan. "I would be welcomed anywhere in the world and can make much more money than I have here. Would I do this for money?" countered the coach who trained the legendary Jehangir Khan for 10 years. The fun-strapped SRAM have not yet decided on renewing Khan's contract, waiting till they get financially sounder before offering the Pakistani anything according to Agarwal, also the secretary of SRAM. The ISP had, about three years ago, brought Khan into the spotlight by inviting him to hold two coaching clinics. But then SRAM took over, offered Khan coaching contract, which he accepted as he was under no obligation from the ISP. "ISP introduced me to squash me in the country. But after that, I have been involved with have been involved with the "SRAM," said Khan. "And even though my contract is now over, I am willing to do anything for squash in India, though I am leaving my options open regarding coaching," said the Pakistani, who is married to Salma Agha. I have offers from United States, England and even Pakistan Squash Federation wants me to coach there," he added. Praising talents like Bikram Uberoi and Siddharth Suchde, Khan said that India has the potential to produce a world champion. "My intention was to produce a world champ and someone like Suchde has shown the necessary talent and the ambition. Whether I am coach here or not, I will everything possible for the boy," Khan added.

Top

Midday: 25-2-99

SQUASH coach Rehmat Khan and the Racquets Association of Maharashtra (SRAM) denied press reports saying that the latter owned him Rs.1,75,000 in training fees. "I worked two years for the SRAM as director of coaching and have been paid for the period. What has appeared in the papers is baseless and said Rehmat yesterday , former coach of Pakistani legend Jehangir Khan," I enjoyed a very good and fruitful relationship with SRAM." SRAM treasure Ehsan Shah said the reports were figment of somebody's imagination. They were published without SRAM's version. Thanks to sponsorship by Batliboi, we did not have such financial problems. Rehmat coached Maharashtra to the National team as well as individual titles. Under the junior programme, the SRAM sent teams to Hongkong and Malaysia where Bikram Uberoi, Gaurav and Rohan Juneja, Rhea Bhandari, and Ayesha Shah were victorious." One of the reports said that the Indian Squash Professionals (ISP) announced it was severing ties with Rehmat. However, Rehmat said the ISP was not in the picture at all. " I was never under contract with the ISP," he said.

A Star - Studded Evening

8-2-1999: MID-DAY

THE galaxy of squash stars at the reception hosted by MID-DAY chairman and Squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra (SRAM) president Khalid A-H Ansari and Rukya Ansari on a balmy evening last week on the resplendent lawns of their residence almost outshone those in the firmament. The chief guest was His Royal Highness Tunku Imran, Prince of Malaysia, who was accompanied by Datuk Vinod Shekhar of Kuala Lumpur.

Present on the occasion were luminaries past, present and future - from the close-knit Mumbai squash fraternity and prominent industrialists, businessmen, professionals and media persons. Wishing the SRAM success in its various new projects and congratulating the award winners, Tunku Imran revealed plans of a joint undertaking with the MID-DAY group under which squash and cricket juniors from Malaysia and Mumbai will exchange visits for experience, exposure and, more importantly, cultural interaction.

Khalid A-H Ansari introduced members of the new SRAM executive committee and spoke of its plans to broad base the game of squash, now an elitist sport restricted to clubs, by making existing facilities available to school and college students initially and, in the second phase, build public pay-and-play squash courts in the city. He stated that three clubs have already offered use of their courts for coaching and tournaments. Appealing to the corporate sector for help. Ansari stated that the Mumbai police had shown interest in introducing the sport to its cadres. He also said that the Indian Squash Professionals (ISP) had become an affiliate of SRAM. He requested all concerned to sink their differences and join hands in promoting the sport. Indian squash greats Anil Nayar, Adrian Ezra and Meherwan Daruwala were honoured with MID-DAY lifetime achievement awards. Anil Nayar, who resides in New York, could not be present but London-based Ezra and Daruwala, who was in baroda reached the function in the nick of time.

Indian Squash Professional presented lifetime achievement awards to outstanding veterans. Shvamlal Verma and Chandrakant Pawar. Simply Squash the international magazine published by Raju Chainani presented the Tunku Imran Award to world junior champion Ong Beng Hee who was celebrating his 19th birthday. MID-DAY Managing director Tariq Ansari handed over a cheque of Rs. 50,000 which it had offered as incentive to the Interstate championship winning Maharashtra squad consisting of Niraj Shirgaokar (captain), Manish Chotrani, Parth Doshi, Avisch jaiswal, Saket Wali, Coach-cum-manger Ananth Nayak and Akhil Behl. The last named who is presently a student in the US could not attend. MID-DAY also presented a special appreciation award to two-time national women's champion Mekhala Subedar.

Hee Deserves it!

MID-DAY:5-2-1999

When be received the invitation for the Tunku Imran award presentation, Ong Beng Hee knew he would be felicitated on his 19th birthday. But it was a surprise as well as a thrilling experience for the Malaysian when asked to cut the cake in front of Mumbai's high and mighty. An experience as thrilling when he won the World Junior title last year.
Beng Hee, adjudged the 'International Player of the Year' received the trophy instituted in the name of HRH Tunku Imran, the president emeritus of World Squash Federation. The prince himself presented the trophy to his countryman.

The world title has brought Beng Hee tremendous happiness. "It is my biggest achievement so far. It was the stiffest event, even more than the British World Juniors. There were 200 participants in the seven day tourney and I had to play everyday. It was exiting," he recalled.
"Though I was seeded No 1, people were telling me that the biggest threat for me would be from the Pakistanis, especially their No 1 Mohammed Hussain. He was in my half of the draw, but I was lucky enough to beat him on that day," said Beng Hee, who has also beaten World No 35 Craig Wapnik of South Africa in the senior's event.
Though his father is a squash coach, Beng Hee started to play after watching friends at school and kids in the neighborhood play the sport. "At home, I started to hit the ball against the wall with my dad's racket when I was six," he said. "I played my first overseas event when I was eight. I played in Hong Kong and reached the under-10 final, losing to teammate Michael Hsu. The following year I won the event."
The Malaysian World Junior champion wishes to become a professional two years from now. "I have done nine years in school, but decided to stop studying further and give squash a go. It's also because I am always in England practicing," he said.

How does he manage his finances? "I am fortunate, I have got personal sponsors to back me. Money is a big problem in squash, but today I am the richest squash player in Malaysia. This year my total contract is 100,000 Ringits (Rs 89 lakh)," he said, adding: "Though it's not a lot, but there is government funding too." The Malaysian government does not give its players many awards, but the incentives are fantastic, like 40,000 Ringits for winning the World Juniors.

And what does the government ask in return? "It has set a target for me. That I should reach the top 50 this year. But my aim is to get into the top 40. It doesn't matter who sets the target, once you plan to achieve something, you have to go or it," he said.
Beng Hee trains under Neil Harvey, who also coaches Peter Nicol. "I know most of the top squash players. All of us get along just fine. If I want to practice with Nicol. I have to just give him a call and he comes. He stays minutes away from the venue," said Beng Hee.
His dad remains his main inspiration. "He is always there whether I win or not. When I win, there are 10 persons congratulating me, but if I lose there is only my dad who is with me," he said.

A night of the squash champions

TIMES OF INDIA, Mumbai: 6-1-2000

A proposal to introduce squash among the police force was mooted at the Mid-day Lifetime Achievement awards on Thursday.

The function was graced by World Squash Federation�s president emeritus Tunku Imran who gaves awards to former national champs Anil Nayar, Adrian Ezra and Meherwan Daruwala.

The London-based Ezra was present to receive the award from the sports-loving Imran while the New-York based Nayar was represented by his brother who received the award on the formers behalf.

Daruwala, who was the undisputed champion before Ezra toppled him, also received an award.

The victorious Maharashtra men�s team, the National team champions, were presented with a cash award of Rs. 50,000 for winning the inter-state title at Calcutta last month.

Malaysia world junior boys champion Ong Beng Hee, his country�s richest Squash player, was given the Tunku Imran award by the South East Asian Nation�s Prince himself on the day hee turned 19.

Hee had beaten Pakistan no one Mohammed Hussian, perceived to be his biggest threat, on his way to title last year.

Also honoured were Maharshtra�s coach Ananth Nayak, women�s national champion Mekhala Subedar and Professionals champions Chandrakant Pawar and Shyamlal Verma.

FREE PRESS, Mumbai: 2-2-2000

Mid-Day Lifetime Achievements awards

FORMER National Champions Anil Nayar, Meherwan Daruwala and Adrian Ezra, who have together won more than a dozen titles apart from representing the country many times, will be presented with Mid-Day Lifetime Achievements awards.

They will receive the awards from World Squash Federation�s president Emeritus Tunku Imran on Thursday here. The Simply Squash Trophy for the International Junior Player of � the � Year will be awarded to Malaysian junior world champion Ong Beng Hee on the same day. The two Professionals Shyamlal Verma and Chandrakant Pawar will also be felicitated.

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