Joshna Chinappa: ‘Everyone has access to squash today’

It will be a busy 2022 for squash champion Joshna Chinappa, with tournament appearances across the globe including at the Commonwealth and Asian Games

These days, whenever squash champion Joshna Chinappa receives a call or an email, it is often an invitation to feature in a new tournament. “Now, you are spoilt for choice,” says the Chennai-based sportswoman, “Every country in the world wants to hold tournaments.”

She isn’t complaining: the last two years of the pandemic have robbed her of precious match time. “Now, every athlete wants to play every tournament. The competition is really high. From round one, it is brutal.”

This is exactly why the 35-year-old, who returned to the top-10 world rankings earlier this year, is selecting her tournaments carefully. “I do not want to get caught in the rat race,” she admits, after launching sports performance brand ASICS’ new Lite-Show Collection in Chennai.

With the Commonwealth and Asian Games scheduled to take place in the next few months, Joshna is probably looking at the most important year of her sporting career. “With squash not being in the Olympics, this is our biggest platform to showcase our talent. You have the best countries playing these tournaments. My big dream was to play these, and I’m looking forward to them.”

What lies ahead

It is a stark contrast to her life over the last couple of years. “After a few months, I kept asking myself: What am I really training for? I did not know how much to push myself,” she admits. Since she could not play through much of the lockdown, the squash champ made the most of her unexpected down time by devouring the latest K-drama offerings. “It took my mind away from actual life,” she smiles, adding that her favourite was Crash Landing on You, a popular romantic comedy.

Today, not only does she feel physically rejuvenated — having worked with new coach Chris Walker a few weeks back — but is also in a good place mentally. Joshna says she has been working with a sports psychologist to stay focussed, which has been especially helpful since the advent of bio-bubbles.