Chennai :

When Joshna Chinappa makes her flight bookings to take part in events on the other side of the world, she must ensure that she advances well into the tournament to even break even. Unbelievable? “If I make the main draw in a $25,000 event, I get about $400 for playing the first round,” she says. “But what’s $400. Flight costs $1000. So you are not really making much unless you are a top 10 player.”

Chinappa is just outside the top 10 (world No 13), but even she finds the unforgiving nature of the sport a bit tough at times. “It is hard because I pretty much do this on my own. I travel on my own so it is sometimes hard to be constantly motivated when you don’t have someone in your corner. A lot of girls I play with are in the top 15 and they always come with a team. So I am at a slight disadvantage but I have been playing and enjoying.”

Given that’s the case, has the 29-year-old ever contemplated giving it all up? The answer starts even before the question is completed. “I just love what I do,” she smiles. “I don’t know anything else. I have a limited time in this field and I just want to make the most of it.”

The Chennai girl, who was at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) on Friday for an exhibition match-up with Malaysia’s Delia Arnold (No 15) and Dipika Pallikal (No 19), also spoke about how the sport is on the right path apropos equal pay. “It’s become so much better in squash. A lot of the big tournaments have equal pay but you are not going to have that all the time. There will be times when the men get paid more and there will be times when the women get paid more. It balances out somewhere down the line,” she says.

Pallikal chimes in. “Two days ago, it was announced that the 2017 World Open (Manchester) will be having equal pay for the first time. That’s a massive change. I’m a big believer in it and I hope our sport can set the standard.”

Given Pallikal and Chinappa cannot play together because of the absence of a doubles tour on the circuit, the former was happy to have a hit with her more senior partner. “We don’t tend to play with each other because of the absence of the absence of a doubles circuit. We only play once in four years during the Commonwealth Games. So it was nice to come back and enjoy a hit with her.”

The 24-year-old has slid down the rankings chart recently but isn’t too bothered about that. “Rankings aren’t as important for me as much as playing well and enjoying the game. I keep telling myself that if I play well, the rankings will automatically improve.”

Bigger tests await both women but they will first have to tackle giants Malaysia in the Asian Team Championship that begins in Chinese Taipei from May 11.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport / by Swaroop Swaminathan / May 07th, 2016

India have been clubbed with big names of the hockey world in Rio Olympics.

Star men’s hockey team striker SV Sunil feels India are much better prepared this time around for the Olympics than four years ago in London and said playing Germany in the Champions Trophy will them in good stead against the reigning champions in the Rio Games.

India are clubbed along side defending champions Germany, European champions Netherlands, Pan-American Games champions Argentina, Ireland and Canada in Pool B in the Rio Olympics. And Sunil, who vies to be at his best against the mighty Germans, said the Champions Trophy will provide them much-needed knowledge about top teams, including Germany.

“They (Germany) are the best team in the world. It is my priority to do well against them in the Champions Trophy and at the Olympics. Playing them in the Champions Trophy will help us understand their game better ahead of the Olympics. We discussed Germany in our previous team meetings and we are aware of their strength and weaknesses,” said Sunil.

Talking about eight-time champions India’s preparation for the Olympics, Sunil hoped for a much-better performance the team in Rio, unlike four years ago in London where they finished last among 12 teams.

“Last time, we paid more attention to fitness but this time, it is very different. We are paying attention to overall development as a team and the training has a lot to do with discipline and team spirit which I think has helped us on the field and in understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” he said.

“The approach we have for the Olympics this time is far more systematic and I feel we are on the right track,” the 27-year-old striker from Coorg added.

Sunil was named as the vice-captain of the team for last month’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, where India finished runners-up. Asked about the new responsibility, he said: “I don’t feel that the role of vice-captain brings any pressure to my game. Being part of the team for so long, I have learnt to handle pressure and that helps me stick to my natural game.”

“Vice-captaincy for me is all about making the youngsters in the team understand their role and motivate them to play to their potential,” he added.

Hailing from a poor family, Sunil said he is indebted to hockey for what he is today. “Coming from a poor family in Coorg, hockey has given me everything I need to lead a comfortable life. And when I play, I remember what the game has given me for the sacrifices I have made. I will do everything to bring glory for the country,” he said.

Since making his debut in the senior team nine years ago, Sunil has gained the reputation of being ‘the fastest man on the turf’, a fact which chief coach Roelant Oltmans too agrees. “He (Sunil) is an attacker and brings something exceptional to the team. He understands our demands and he keeps questioning what we are doing in a positive way so that he can understand it and translate it to the younger players,” said Oltmans.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sports / PTI / Bengaluru – Friday, May 06th, 2016