The highest world-ranked player Saurav Ghosal of India believes that the Indian squash has the potential to make it big at the international level but requires enhanced government support and funding.
Ghosal declared that it is his suggestion that the government should select potential players and dish out funds right on January one each year, so that they can plan ahead which tournaments to play and where to go for the coaching. That would make things a lot easier for them. In case the government wants, it can fix targets for players too and their performances while the experts can review it.
World ranked 20 Ghosal highlighted that the government grant for squash players was more of a compensation which requires a lot of formalities.
Ghosal, who was at the Jaipur Club Courts to take part in the Senior National Squash championship elaborated that it is the SRFI which helps them obtaining grants from the government but it is quite difficult for the players to fill in all types of reports and prepare budgets. In addition, it is similar to reimbursement, hence only those who are well off can fritter in advance and remain for reimbursements. Truly there are too many formalities.
The 27-year-old and UK-based climbed to a career-high of 18th in February this year, mainly due to his eighth title success in the Indian National Championships in December as well as a pre-quarterfinal appearance in the PSA World Championship in Qatar.
Ghosal asserted that he wants to hammer some of the apex players on the PSA tour but acknowledged that it is easier to claim than done.
He remarked that he is the highest ranked Indian player ever. Moreover, Ritwik had reached 38th in world rankings. They too desire to reach the pinnacle but they need to crush the barrier and maintain the level of high standards. In fact, the top guys don't give one an opportunity. It is only if one start defeating them there is an element of doubt in their minds when they play one. It is only then one can keep it tight and can anticipate mistakes from them which can award one with a chance to win.
Remarkably, Ghosal credited former World No.1 James Willstrop's father simultaneously coach Malcolm for making him a better player. He admitted that Malcolm has made him the professional player he is today. They have been working towards it for the past eight years and he wouldn't be here at this stage without him.
Ghosal believes that the emergence of a young bunch of players promises well for India's future in squash.
He claimed that the Indian squash has the potential to make a giant leap into the world squash. He added that Mahesh Mangaonkar, Harinder Pal Sandhu and Ramit Tondon can make it big but there has to be more money in squash and the sports system should be in place.
