CHENNAI: Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar shone by winning gold medals in their respective categories during the National Doubles Squash Championship, which was revived after 17 years, here on Wednesday.
National Games gold medalist and National Championships silver medalist Abhay started the day with Velavan by defeating Rahu Baitha and Suraj Chand 2-0 (11-4, 11-8) in the men's doubles.
The 25-year-old soon added another gold to her kitty in the mixed doubles category. Abhay and Joshna Chinappa defeated Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu and Rathika Seelan 2-1 (10-11, 11-2) in a thrilling three-set match. 11-9).
Pooja Aarti and Rathika overcame the challenge of Janet Vidhi and Nirupam Dubey to win the women's doubles gold 2-1 (11-3, 9-11, 11-1).
“I have always been interested in playing doubles. Abhay said, I thank HC and SRFI for organizing this championship after a long time in India.
“I have played with Velavan in the Commonwealth (Games), but this was my first time playing doubles with Joshna.
"It's an honor to team up with them. I was sure I would win in the bot categories. It's time to win gold at the Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia," he said.
The winners of this tournament will represent India in the Asian Squash Double Championship to be held in Johor, Malaysia from July 4 to 7.
Lauding the success of the event, Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI General Secretary, Cyrus Poncha) said, “Thanks to the mutual efforts of SRFI and HCL, I am really excited to see the renaissance of doubles squash in India.
“It was really thrilling to watch the two pairs fight. I believe that the future of Indian Squash is bright and these events will bring out the stars of the future.”
National Games gold medalist and National Championships silver medalist Abhay started the day with Velavan by defeating Rahu Baitha and Suraj Chand 2-0 (11-4, 11-8) in the men's doubles.
The 25-year-old soon added another gold to her kitty in the mixed doubles category. Abhay and Joshna Chinappa defeated Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu and Rathika Seelan 2-1 (10-11, 11-2) in a thrilling three-set match. 11-9).
Pooja Aarti and Rathika overcame the challenge of Janet Vidhi and Nirupam Dubey to win the women's doubles gold 2-1 (11-3, 9-11, 11-1).
“I have always been interested in playing doubles. Abhay said, I thank HC and SRFI for organizing this championship after a long time in India.
“I have played with Velavan in the Commonwealth (Games), but this was my first time playing doubles with Joshna.
"It's an honor to team up with them. I was sure I would win in the bot categories. It's time to win gold at the Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia," he said.
The winners of this tournament will represent India in the Asian Squash Double Championship to be held in Johor, Malaysia from July 4 to 7.
Lauding the success of the event, Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI General Secretary, Cyrus Poncha) said, “Thanks to the mutual efforts of SRFI and HCL, I am really excited to see the renaissance of doubles squash in India.
“It was really thrilling to watch the two pairs fight. I believe that the future of Indian Squash is bright and these events will bring out the stars of the future.”
