At the prize distribution function of the tournament showing off the 75th Platinum Jubilee Magazine from left to right : Noreena (ISP), Narendra Gour ((Director, ISP), Ashish Gupta (President, ISP), Film Actress Kangana Ranaut, Mahendra Agarwal (Founder Director, ISP), Navneet Soni (Director, ISP), Ashok Nagpal (Treasurer, ISP), Vicky Kalludi (Joint Secretary, ISP), Sanjay Goyal (Secretary General, ISP)

Click here for 75th tournament Press News / Photo Gallery / 
Messages received for Platinum Jubilee Magazine // Platinum Jubilee Magazine / News papers Cuttings 

News papers Cuttings 

• Walk with me (Article in The Free Press Journal 2^nd Feb 2007)

• Games people play (Article in Indian Express 2^nd Feb 2007)

• Squash and posh (Article in Afternoon 2^nd Feb 2007)

• Squash Players get Spirited (Article in The Asian Age Mumbai 2^nd Feb 2007)

• Free Press Journal  3^rd Feb 2007

• Chinappa , Bhattacharya reign supreme (Article in Hindustan Times 1^st Feb 2007)

• ISP poised to make sporting history (Article in Afternoon 11^th January 2007)

• ISP poised to make sporting history (Article in FREEPRESS journal 11^th Jan 2007)

• Ritwik Breezes into last eight (Article in Times of India 29^th Jan 2007)

• Pak’s world Atlas (Article in MID DAY 29^th Jan 2007

• Finally , Pallikal Finds a coach (Article in DNA 30^th January 2007)

• Its Pallikal vs Chinappa again (Article in DNA 31^st January 2007)

• Top Guns Ritwik , Joshna make merry at carnival (Article in Mid Day 1^st Feb 2007)

• Khalid ready to unpack bag of squash tricks (Article in Indian Express 28^th January 2007)

• Ritwik overcomes Jangra (Article in Hindustan Times 31^st January 2007)

• Ritwik , Khalid in cruise mode (Article in Hindustan Times 29^th Jan 2007)

• Roads to Success (Article in DNA 1^st Feb 2007)

• Ritwik , Joshna Triumph (Article in FREE PRESS Journal 1^st Feb 2007)

• Climbing the pyramid after Egyptian Stint (Article in Indian Express 25^th Jan 2007)

• Ritwik , Joshna star attraction ( Indian Express 24^th January 2007)

• Ritwik , Joshna to slug it out at squash carnival (Article in Mid Day 19^th Jan)

• Bhattacharya Marches into quarters (Article in Free Press Journal 28^th January)

• A Platinum jubilee to covet * Article in Times of India 28^th Jan )

• Ritwik , joshna lift crowns (Article in Afternoon 1^st Feb 2007)

• Ankita , Pawar Storm into finals ( Free Press Journal 31^st Jan)

• Driving them away (Article in Mid Day 30^th Jan 2011)

• Mangaonkar, verma Upant Ferit (article in Vartahar-31^st January 2007)

• Dipika lashes out at SRFI (Article in Indian Express 30^th Jan 2007)

• Ritwiks Ready (Article in MID Day 24^th Jan2007)

• Driving Them Away (Article in MID DAY 30^th Jan 2007)

• The Josh machine zips along (Article in Indian Express 2^nd Feb 2007)

• She should fight for it (Article in Mid day 31^st jan 2007)

• Dipika dumps Mandy to set up title clash with joshna (Article in Indian Express 31^st January )

• Ritwik , Joshna emerge champs (Article in Indian Express 1^st Feb 2007)

• ISP Puraskar Rashi Squash mai Pakistani  Khiladi (Article in Navbharat Times 24^th January 2007)

• Joshna Chinappa in Semi Finals (Article in FREE Press Journal 30^th January )

• Hansraj Take home giles shield ( Free Press Journal – 2^nd February 2011)

• Joshna going great guns , enters semis (Article in Indian Express 30^th January 2011)

• Joshna Chinappa to face Deepika Pallikal in final (Article in Asian Age 31^st January 2011)

• Riwik B , Khalid Khan  Anthim Junj (Article in Navakal 31^st Jan 2007)

• Squash Carnival (ariticle in HT Sports 24^th January 2007)

• ISP Platinum Jubilee All India Squash Carnival 2007 (article in Mid-Day 30^th January 2007)

• ISP Platinum Jubilee (Article in DNA 31^st Jan 2007)

• ISP Platinum Jubilee (Article in Business Standard 31^st Jan 2007)

• ISP Platinum Jublee (Article in Hindustan Times 31^st Jan 2007)

• Displaying the spirit of Obsession (article in Screen 9^th February 2007)

• Of gals and Fashion Galore (article in Magazine Bombay Riders Page 3 dated    February 09-15 2007)

• Hip ‘n’ Healthy Squash becomes the new rege in the metro (Magazine The Week  pg Mumbai  Beat Dated 18/2/2011)

• For Mumbai Squash is the all season fitness mantra. It is part of the fitness regime for other games like cricket and football (The Week pg Mumbai Beat datedFeburay 18^th 2007)

• Squash means lots of energy, stamina and concentrarion and Indian players are showing this (The Week pg Mumbai Beat datedFeburay 18^th 2007)

• ISP Platinum Jubilee All India Squash Carnival 2007 (Advt in Mid-day, Asian Age, Mumbai Mirror : 31/01/2007)

• Games people play (Article in Indian Express, Mumbai with pics : 2/2/2007)

• Is Ritwik the hot new bod on the block (Article in Times of India, Bombay Times, Mumbai  : 2/2/2007)

• A springy evening (Article in DNA, Mumbai with pics : 2/2/2007)

• Party power (Article in Hindustan Times, Mumbai : 2/2/2007)

• Full Page advertisement in Hindustan Times, Mid-day  DNA : 31/1/2007

Ritwik downs Atlas
Article in Times of India : 1/2/2007

MUMBAI : Lustily cheered on by close friend and actor Neha Dhupia, top seed Ritwik Bhattacharya weathered the challenge of Pakistan’s Khalid Atlas Khan to win the men’s title on the concluding day of the ISP Platinum Jubilee All India Squash Carnival at JVPG and the Club Ritwik triumphed 12-10, 11-9, 11-7. 

The women’s crown was a no contest as national champion Joshna Chinappa trounced her younger Chennai mate 11-5, 11-8, 11-9. 

Khalid played high intensity squash in the first two games. He kept Ritwik guessing, varying his shots, and playing the backbone drop to a nicety. 

However, it was in the business end of both games that the Pakistani flattered. Ritwik’s games from the forecourt took its toll, as he wrong footed his opponent with rasping shots. 

The third was a little easier for the India no. 1 his shots were hugging the sidewalls and the nagging length had Khalid in trouble. 

Ritwik picked up a whoping Rs. 1 lakh as prize money while Khalid had to settle for Rs. 50,000.

“I was in no trouble really. I was trying out a few different things. I was playing a tournament after a long time,” noted the happy champ. 

“this match will stand me in good stead for the PSA events I will be playing in February.”

Ritwik, Joshna emerge champs
Article in Indian Express : 1/2/2007

NEITHER of the winners were exerted on the day, as Joshna Chinappa and Ritwik Bhattacharya downed their respective opponents to emerge victorious in the ISP platinum Jubilee squash tournament on Wednesday. 

Bhattacharya, who has been testing his wares coming off a break, and experimenting with his game-style faced some stiff moments against Pakistan’s Khalid Atlas Khan in his opening game bur pounced on his tiring opponent thereafter to finish a 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 stroll. 

Long rallies dominated the first game, but Khan’s impatience saw him go forcefully for the winners, making his game error-prone, even as Bhattacharya plugged in those gaps finding his own shots. 

“it wasn’t very impressive, I was a little tentative. But I’ve been trying out a few things in my game, so used this tournament as a warmup,” the 27-years-old Indian said. He next plays PSA events in Sweden and Canada. 

In the women’s final, Joshna Chinappa, faced few troubles despite playing with a strapped ankle against younger Dipika Pallikal, winning 11-5, 11-8, 11-9. “I didn’t put too much pressure on myself today, just did enough to win,” Chinappa said later. Pallikal has added to her repertoire of shots and at slower movement on court proved to be her undoing in the quick wrapup of an encounter for Chinappa. 

RESULT :

(ALL FINAL) MEN’S OPEN : 1-Ritwik Bhattacharya bt 2-Khalid Atlas Khan (pak) 12-10, 11-9, 11-7. BOYS U-19 : 1-Vikram Malhotra bt Sohail Kapoor (delhi) 11-8, 8-11, 11-9 11-5. BOYSU-17 1- Cyril Kuhn (TN) bt 2-Laxman Joshi (jindal squash academy) 7-11, 11-5, 13-11, 6-11, 12-10. BOYS U-15 : 1- Aditya Jagtap bt Abhishek Pradhan 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5. WOMEN’S 1- Joshna Chinappa (TN) bt 2- Saumya Karki bt 2- Ankita Sharma 11-7, 4-141, 7-11, 11-3.

Top guns Ritwik, Joshna make merry at carnival
(Article in Mid-day : 1/02/2007) 

IT was an Indo-Pak clash but minus the frenzy and an emotionally-charged atmosphere, which is prevalent during every cricket match between the two neighbours. 

Neither was the crowd boisterous, nor were the players at each other’s throats. In fact, they maintained decorum and then spectators enjoyed every moment acknowledging shots from both the players. 

Squash was at its best at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana yesterday where top seed Ritwik Bhattacharya justified his top billing by beating second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 in the men’s final of the ISP Platinum Jubilee All India squash Carnival 2007, organized by the Indian squash professionals. 

“This was just another game for me. It hardly mattered that we are from neighboring countries,”  said Ritwik after the match. 

LONG RALLIES

It was value for money for the spectators as a20-years-old Khalid matched his senior counterpart in every indulged in long rallies and came up out play each other. 

Khalid was in the lead twice – 10.09 and 09.08 in the first and second set-but he erred giving Ritwik an opportunity to bounce back and wrap up the game. 

“I was a bit tentative initially, as at was my first proper game of the tournament. I had hardly been tested so far.

Khalid was good but he is still junior to me. He got tired in the second game game and relied on finishing shots only. That allowed me take hold of the match,” added Ritwik. 

SUPPORTIVE CROWD

Khalid, however, had no regrets. “I came close but was not able to finish it off. Ritwik was too good,” said Khalid who is staying back in the city to conduct a coaching camp. 

“I enjoyed playing in Mumbai. The crowd was so supportive. I am looking forward to coaching Indian youngsters for probably 10 days, before heading back to Peshawar,” Khalid added. 

In the women’s final, top seed Joshna Chinappa continued her fine run defeating second seed Dipika Pallikal 11-5, 11-8, and 11-9 at The Club, Andheri. Dipika played well in patches but wasn’t convincing enough to trouble her senior at any stage of the match, which lasted for only 21 minutes.

Ritwik, Joshna triumph
Article in Free Press Journal : 1/2/2007

Pawar Stuns top seed verma for Professionals crown 

Top sedd Ritwik Bhattacharya justified his top billing by beating second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 in the men’s category of the ISP Platinum squash carnival 2007, on Wednesday. 

Bhattacharya bagged along with the title, a prize purse of Rs. 1,00,000. 

Bhattacharya made a good return to title winning ways after an unsuccessfully attempt to win the gold medal at the recently concluded Asian Games. 

The boy from Delhi fought hard in a final that turned out to be an Indian versus Pakistan affair with Khalid Atlas Khan joining him in the finals. 

Bhattacharya had to sweat it out against Khan, who was intent on fighting right till the end. 

The first game set the tone for the match as Bhattacharya and Khan battled their way through long rallies. Bhattacharya saved game point in the first game point and thanks to an error from Khan, took the first game. 

The second was just as close but Bhattacharya managed to keep his nose ahead and win the game 11-9. 

The third game was much more intense with the both players falling over each other on more than a few Occasions. The tiring Khan however couldn’t keep up with Bhattacharya and lost the game 11-7. 

“I wasn’t playing my best squash today. This game was all about grinding out a result and I managed that. The tournament has been great and hats off to ISP and I hope to be a part of more of their his encounter. 

Meanwhile the women’s final also went according to the seedings as top seed Joshna Chinappa demolished second seed Deepika Pallikal 11-5, 11-8, 11-9. 

In a game that was littered with errors and hence short rallies, Chinappa beat her close friend Pallikal in 21 minutes. 

The first game was a one sided affair with Chinappa dicating the play. In the third game Deepika was leading 4-0 but she lost her initiatives and also the games. 

In the Professionals final, second seed Sanjay Pawar of Mumbai upset arch-rival and top seed Mahesh Verma of Nashik 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 11-4.                     

Chinappa, Bhattacharya reign supreme
Article in Hindustan times :  1/2/07 

TOP SEEDS Joshna Chinappa and Ritwik Chinappa were on a roll winning the women’s and men’s title, respectively, in the ISP Platinum All-India Squash Carnival 2007, organized by the Indian squash professionals. 

National champion Joshna, who has climbed to no.38^th in the world, qulled the challenge of second seed Deepika Pallikal in the women’s final played at The Club, Andheri on Wednesday. Joshna seemed to be in quite a hurry and got into her stride instantly to record a 11-5, 11-8, 11-9, win in  just 21 minutes. 

Ritwik, too did not encounter much of a challenge from second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan in the men’s final played at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana 

MUMBAI DARSHAN

(JVPG) Club, ranked 41 in the professional squash association circuit, Ritwik breezed to 12-10, 11-9, 11-7, Victory Ritwik was richer by rs. 1,00,000. 

FINAL RESULT

BOYS & GIRLS’ U-7 : Aryan Parekh bt Gopal Goyal 11-3, 11-5.
BOYS & GIRLS’ U-9 : 1-Rajat Agarwal bt 2- Sandeep Paswan 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7.
GIRLS’ U-15 : 1-Saumya Karki bt 2-Ankita Sharma 11-7, 4-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3.
BOYS’ U-11 : Akhilesh Yadav bt Yohan Pandole 11-3, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7; 
U-13 : 1-Mahesh Mangaonkar bt 2- Rahil Fazelbhoy 11-2, 11-6, 11-4;
U-15 : 1-Aditya Jagtap bt Abhishek Pradhan 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5; 
U-17 : 1- Cyril Kuhn (TN) BT 2-Laxman Joshi 7-11, 11-5,13-11, 6-11, 12-10: 1- Vikram Malhotra bt Sohail Kapoor (Delhi) 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5.
WOMEN’S 1- Jjoshna Chinappa (TN) bt 2-Dipika Pallikal (TN) 11-5, 11-8, 11-9.
Men’s open : 1-Ritwik Bhattacharya bt 2-Khalid Atlas Khan (pak) 12-10, 11-9, 11-7.
MEN’S OVER 35 : Amit Chinoy bt Raja Parthsarhay 11-4, 11-3, 3-11,12-10.
Men’s over 45 : Vaman Apte bt Rahul Kumar (Del) 12-10, 12-10, 11-2.
MEN’S OVER 55 : Raj Manchandana bt Kishan Lal 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7.

Road to success
DNA 1/02/2007

JOSHNA, RITWIK CHART CONTRASTING WAYS TO LIFT RESPECTIVE TITLES 

JOE WILLIAMS. MUMBAI 

It was a day of contrasting wins for the champions. Joshna Chinappa cruised past the junior national champion Dipika Pallikal, while Ritwik Bhattacharya strived hard before overcoming Khalid Atlas Khan from Pakistan to lay their hands on the 75^th ISP All India Squash Championship titles at two different  venues in the city. 

In an all-Chennai affair, senior national champion, Joshna Chinappa maintained her unbeaten record over Dipika Pallikal winning in straight games in just 21 minutes at The Club in Andheri. This was her fourth win over Dipika. 

Despite her Egypt sojourn, there was not much the 15 years old Dipika could say or do about the match. The abjaect loss made her concede though that she indeed has to go along way to go before beating Joshna. “I still have more to learn about the game and playing with Joshna has helped me,” said Dipika. 

Ritwik was a bit rusty since he was coming back after a month’s lay-off. The lack of match practice showed in the first game at Juhu Gymkhana as he was pushed to the walls by his Pakistani rival from Peshawar. However, the Delhi based Ritwik mixed both aggression and defensive tactics true to his reputation of having a well-balanced game. After a down and eventually won but crucially, he got some confidence for the battles ahead. 

“This tournament come at a right time for my tune-up to the major leagues that I am about to play in Qatar and Toronto. Now that I know my draw backs, I shall work on it.” Said Ritwik who is training hard at the CCI in Mumbai. 

However, it was the under – 17 boys section that drew more attention and applause. The final encounter between Cyril Kuhn from Tamil Nadu and Laxman Joshi from Jndal witnessed a five-game match for the first time in this six-day tournament. At the end of the marathon tie, the Chennai lad prevailed 7-11,11-5,13-11,6-11,12-11. Sanjay Pawar, son of National Champion Chandrakant,, won in the professional’s category beating Mahesh Varma from Nashik. 

RESULTS : (ALL FINALS)

MEN’S OPEN : 1 Ritwik Bhattacharyam bt 2-Khalid Atlas Khan (pak) 12-10, 11-9, 11-7.
BOYS U-19 : 1 Vikram Malhotra bt Sohail Kapoor (Delhi) 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5;
U-17 : 1 Cyril Kuhn (TN) bt 2-Laxman Joshi (Jindal squash Academy) 7-11, 11-5, 13-11, 6-11, 12-10;
U-15 : 1-Aditya Jagtap bt Abhishek Pradhan 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5;
U-13 : 1 Mahesh Mangaokar bt 2-Rahil Fazelbhoy 11-2, 11-6, 11-4;
U-11 : Akhilesh Yadav bt Yohan Pandole 11-3, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7.
BOYS & GIRLS U-9 : 1-Rajat Agarwal bt 2-Sandeep Pallikal (TN) 11-5, 11-8, 11-9; 
U-17 : Aryan Parekh bt Gopal Goyal 11-3, 11-5.
WOMEN’S : 1-Joshna Chinappa (TN) bt 2-Dipika Pallikal (TN) 11-5, 11-8, 11-9; 
Girls U-15 1-Saumya Karki bt 2-Ankita Sharma 11-7, 4-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3.
PROFESSIONALS : 2-Sanjay Pawar bt 1-Mahesh Verma (Nashik) bt 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 11-4.

Khan in last 8
Article in Asian Age : 29/1/2007 

Second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan top seed Ritwik Bhattacharya and women’s fourth seed Shivangi Paranjpe made it to the quarterfinals of the 75^th tournament, the ISP Platinum all India squash Carnival, organised by the Indian Squash Professionals at the glass backed squash courts of the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana and the Club, Andheri , here on Sunday. 

Khalid made quick work of Prateek Tomar thrashing him 11-4, 11-2, 11-4. 

RESULTS: BOYS/GIRLS’S U/7 S/F : Aryan Parekh bt Darsha Pathak 11-9, 11-9; Gopal Goyal bt Vishaesh Gupta 11-4, 11-6 ; 

BOYS/GIRLS U/9 Q/F : Jui Kalgutkar bt Ishaan Menta 12-10, 11-8; Yohan Surti bt R. Sharma 11-2, 11-1; R.Agarwal bt Ananya Lalchandani 11-1, 11-0, S. Paswan bt bt Ben Kennedy 11-5, 11-5. 

MEN OVER 35 RD 2: C .Ladiwala bt D.das 11-1, 11-3, 11-5; 

MEN RD 3 :  2-K A . Khan (pak) bt C.P. Toomar11-4, 11-2, 11-4; 1.R Bhattacharya (DEL) bt V.Khanna (mum) 11-0, 11-1, 11-2, ; 3-A .Khan (pak) bt V.Sinha 11-1, 11-2, 11-1 ; D.Nagpal bt H.Singh 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7; 

WOMEN’S RD 1 : 4-S.Paranjpe (mum) bt Purvi Bala 11-2, 11-0; Kiran Mirpuri bt Sunita Patwa 11-5, 11-3.

Khalid storms into quarters
Article in DNA, Mumbai 29/1/2007 

Unleashing a commanding performance, second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan stormed his way into the quarterfinals of the men’s open event in the ISP all India Squash tournaments at the club courts on Sunday. 

With a complete control right from the outset, Khalid made light work of Prateek Toomer as he fashioned  a 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 win in the lopsided encounter . 

In what way pretty one sided affair Khalid didn’t look like he even broke into a sweat as his superior fitness told on the court when he tool on Prateek Toomer. The general pace of the game wasn’t slow but a few errors on the part of Toomar cost him dear. His hard work was undone as his errors came on crucial points with the pressure telling on him. Khalid didn’t seem to be bothered by the mistakes of his opponent and continued playing the game in all seriousness. 

Top seed Ritwik Bhattacharya appeared in cruise mode while registrating a resounding 11-0, 11-1, 11-2, win over Vivek Khanna. 

Keeping in line with the fancied players having an easy outing to enter the quarters, third seed Adil Khan of Pakistan too was equally impressive as he accounted for Vaibhav Sinha with ease 

Pakistan’s Khalid Adil in quarters of squash
Article in Free Press Journal : 29/1/07 

UNLEASHING a commandind performance, second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan stormed his way into the quarter-finals of the men’s open event in the ISP all India squash tournament here on Sunday. 

In complete control of things right from the outset Khalid made light work of Prateek Toomer as he fashioned a comfortable 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 win in the lopsided encounter. 

En route to booking a place in the last eight stage. Khalid, looked quite fluent with his stroke selection and was never really tested by Toomer, who was quite indifferent with his play. 

Top seed Ritwik Bhattacharya appeared in cruise mode while ensuring his progress by registering a resounding 11-0, 11-1, 11-2 triumph over local challenger Vivek Khanna.

Ritwik breezes into last eight
Article in Times of India, Mumbai : 29/1/2007 

Mumbai: playing at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana courts for the first time ever, top draw Ritwik Bhattacharya showed no signs of rustiness as he crushed Vivek Khanna 11-0, 11-1, 11-2 to move into the quarterfinals of the indian squash professionals platinum Jubilee all Indian squash Carnival at the JVPG and the Club on Sunday. 

Ritwik, who is the highest ranked Indian on the PSA rankings at no .41, had climbed to a career-best 38- in 2006. 

Khanna, playing on his home courts, did manage to rally with the top seed in the early exchanges. But Ritwik soon got into his groove and began controlling play from the forecourt. He made quick kills and scored with deft drops. 

In the thirds, Khanna ‘s face lit up after he wrongfooted Ritwik on  a drop. 

Ritwik was not done for the day as he practised with Cadet Vaibhav Sinha of the NDA. Ritwik said later, “ it is encouraging nowadays when youngsters come up to you and ask you for a hit.” Next up for the No. 1 seed is Dhiraj Nagpal, trained by the ISP. 

The India no. 1 is trying to put the Doha reverse behind him. “Saurav (Ghosal) played well on that day and I also got hit on the nose,” noted Ritwik Saurav picked up the bronze at the Asian Games. 

Ritwik has been training in London for the past one month. “I Plan to play in three big PSA tournaments (Sweden, Canada and New York) in February and I will then return to Mumbai for an event in March. 

Ritwik rates hit title in Chennai as his best performance in 2006. “I defeated Saurav picked up the semis and got the better of Dylan Bennett of The Netherlands in the final.” 

RESULTS

BOYS/GIRLS U-7(SF) : Aryan Parekh bt Darsha Pathak 11-9, 11-9; Gopal Goyal bt Vishaesh Gupta 11-4, 11-6. 

BOYS/GIRLS U-9 (QF): Jui Kalgutkar bt Ishan Mehta 12-10, 11-8; Yohan Surti bt Roshan Sharma 11-2, 11-1, Rajat Agarwal bt Ananya Lalchandani 11-1, 11-0, Sandeep Paswan bt Ben Kennedy 11-5, 11-5. 

MEN OVER 35( RD 2) : Chetan Ladiwala bt Debashish Das 11-1, 11-3, 11-5. 

MEN (RD 3) : 2-Khalid Atlas Khan (pak) bt Cadet Prateek Toomer 11-4, 11-2, 11-4; 1-Ritwik Bhattacharya (del) bt Vivek Khanna 11-0, 11-1, 11-2;  3-Adil Khan (pak) bt Viabhav Sinha 11-1, 11-2, 11-1; Diraj Nagpal bt Harjinder singh 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7. 

BOYS U-13 (RD 2) : Mahesh Mangaokar bt Mishal Nathani 11-8, 11-2; Vrishap Kotian bt Rahul Shah 11-6, 11-7,

BOYS U-11(RD 3) : Aditya Singh bt Jatin Ghangas 11-2, 11-4, Akhilesh Yadav bt Amit Singh 11-4, 11-5; Mohite Yadav bt Puneet Parekh 11-7, 11-8; Neel Cheda bt Ritwik Shrivastav 11-5, 11-4.

Ritwik, Khalid in cruise mode
Article in Hindustan Times, Mumbai : 28/1/2007 

TOP SEED Ritwik Bhattacharya of India and second seed Khalid Atlas Khan of Pakistan had easy outings en route to the quarterfinals of the ISP Platinum All India squash carnival 2007, organised by the Indian squash professionals. 

Bhattacharya did not have to break into a sweat as he demolished compatriot Vivek Khanna 11-0, 11-1, 11-2 at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana (JVPG) Club glass-backed courts on Sunday. 

The top-ranked Indian started off aggressively and with his powerplay, solid strokes and excellent court craft completely dominated the match. His younger opponent Khanna, Unable to match the seasoned compaigner. Had no other option but to cave in meekly. 

Bhattacharya now meets Dhiraj Nagpal of Mumbai, who beat Harjinder Singh in four games 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7. 

The Pakistan ace Khalid Atlas Khan also did not have to work hard as he brushed aside the feeble challenge of India ‘s Prateek Tomer winning 11-4, 11-2, 11-4. Khalid was always in control as he raced to an easy victory and a berth in the last eight. 

Another Pakistani players third seed Adil Khan also advanced to the quarterfinal . Khan tamed India ‘s Vaibhav Sinha 11-1, 11-2, 11-1 in a pre quarterfinals encounter. 

In women’s action Mumbai girls Shivangi Paranjpe kept alive her chance of claiming the title Paranjpe was in her elements was in her elements as she convincingly beat Purvi Bala 11-2, 11-0. 

REULTS:

MEN’S 3^RD ROUND : 2-K A Khan (Pak) bt Prateek Toomer 11-4, 11-2, 11-4, 1-R Bhattacharya bt Vivek Khanna 11-0, 11-1, 11-2; 3- Adil Khan (pak) bt Vaibhav Sinha 11-1, 11-2, 11-1; Dhiraj Nagpal bt H Singh 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7. 

WOMEN’S 1^ST ROUND : 4 Shivangi Paranjpe bt Purni Bala 11-2, 11-0; Kiran Mirpuri bt Sunita Patwa 11-5, 11-3.

BOYS/GIRLS’U-7 SEMIFINALS : Aeyan Parekh bt D Pathak 11-9, 11-9; Gopal Goyal bt  Vishaesh Gupta 11-4,11-6.

BOYS /GIRLS’U-9 QUARTERFINALS: Jui Kalgutkar bt Mehta 12-0, 11-8; Y Surti bt R Sharma 11-2, 11-1; Rajat Agarwal bt A Lalchandani 11-1, 11-0; Sandeep Paswan bt B Kennedy 11-5, 11-5.

BOYS U-13 2^ND ROUND : Mahesh Mangaokar bt M Nathani 11-8, 11-2; Vrishap Kotian bt R Shah 11-6, 11-7. 

PAK’S WORLD ATLAS
HOW ONE NEIGHBOURING FAMILY IS GIVING SQUASH A GOOD NAME

Article in Mid-day : 29/1/2007

Back home they are rated highly. The five Atlas brothers Naveed, Khalid, Adil, Amir and Danish are on course to bring squash glory back to their country. 

Aamir and Khalid especially are believed to be the future of Pakistan squash. They are trying to match the standards set by their uncle Jansher Khan (Former world no 1) and cousin Amjad Khan (former world no 11). 

HIGHLY TALENTED  

“We are working hard to reach the highest level. Aamir is highly talented and has all the qualities to be world no 1, said Khalid who is in the city along with brother Adil and cousin Shoukat Raza Khan to participate in the ongoing ISP Platinum Jubilee All India Squash Carnival 2007 at Juhu Vile Perle Gymkhana and the Club Andheri. 

REVELATION

Aamir has been a revelation over the past few years. He finished second in the U-19 British Open earlier this month losing to Egyptian Omar Mosaad in the final 

The 16 years old Pathan from Nawa Kali, Peshwar is the second ranked player in his country. He has a current world ranking of  35. only Mansoor Zaman is ahead of Aamir with a world ranking of  31. 

The Teenage sensation from pakistan couldn’t make it to the Mumbai, “ ISP Chairman Mahendra Agarwal had asked me for four players. but Aamir was busy with a PSA tournament in Sweden,” said Khalid. Khalid and Adil have won a handful of international tournaments. Khalid is the second seed in the ISP Carnival and is tiuted to meet India no. 1 Ritwik Bhattacharya in the finals. “I am not expecting any serious challenge until the semi-finals where I might meet Adil,” said the 20 year-old. 

MORE MATURE   

Is he prepared for the Ritwik challenge?  “ he has been me in our previous meeting. But that was two years back. Now I am more mature to push him hard. I am here to play and win. Talks are on, as well, with cricket Club of India for a coaching assignment. So I am looking forward to the final,” Khalid added.

He has fond memories of India. “I was a member of the Pakistan squash that won the world junior team event in Chennai after a gap of 22 years in 2002.

I played in Mumbai in the Herald Otter’s Club tournament and made it to the quarter-finals.” 1 player with a current national ranking of eight. 

TOP IN PAK

The Atlas brothers have attained the top national ranking in the all the age categories ranging from U-13 TO U-19. “ In 2003 and 2004, four of us were national champions in the u-13 (Danish), U-15 (Amir), U-17(Adil) and U-19 (Khalid)  category,” Khalid said. 

RITWIK HAS BEATEN ME IN OUR PREVIOUS MEETING. BUT THAT WAS TWO YEARS BACK. NOW I AM MORE MATURE TO PUSH HIM HARD. I AM HERE TO PLAY AND WIN 

-KHALID ATLAS KHAN 

GUL NEXT DOOR

The Atlas brothers are not the only Pakistanis with a story at the ISP Platinum Jubilee Squash Carnival. Their cousin Shoukat Raza Khan has Umar Gul, the talented Pakistani Pacer, as his neighbour in Peshwar

“Umar is nice human being . he fought back into the pakistan cricket team despite a chronic back injury. He is a fighter,” said Shoukat. “ we were in the same government high school in Peshwar. He was senior to me by two years,”he said. “Umar is a friend, I respect him. But I am not a cricket fan. I love squash and I’m enjoying it,” he added. 

HARJINDER OUSTED

IN A MAJOR UPSET IN THE MEN’S OPEN, UNSEEDED Dhiraj Nagpal defeated eight seed Harjinder Singh in four games 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, after a thrilling encounter in the third round of the ISP Platinum ALL India Squash Carnival 2007, organised by the Indian squash professionals at the glass backed squash courts of the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana and the Club, Andheri, Yesterday. 

“I was preparing for my exams and had put on some weight. I hadn’t played for a while, so I was kept unseeded for the tournament. But, I am happy that I won,” said Dhiraj after the game at Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana . 

But Dhiraj happiness might be shortlived as he is meeting top seed Ritwik Bhattacharya in the quarterfinal today. “it is going to be a really tough match for me,” he added. 

Bhattacharya eased past Vivek Khanna 11-0, 11-1, 11-2 in straight sets. 

Local girl and fourth seed Shivangi Paranjpe all made it to the quarterfinals of the women’s open. 

She defeated Purvi Bala convincingly 11-2, 11-0. Paranjpe. 

Atlas brothers Khalid and Adil also marched into quarters with straight set wins in the third round. 

OTHER RESULT:

Yohan Surti bt Roshan Sharma 11-2, 11-1, Rajat Agarwal bt Ananya Lalchandani 11-1, 11-5, Chetan Ladiwala bt Debashish Das 11-1, 11-3, 11-5. 2-Khalid Atlas Khan (pak) bt Cadet Prateek Toomar 11-4, 11-2, 11-4; 1-Ritwik Bhattacharya (DEL) bt Vivek Khanna (MUM) 11-0, 11-1, 11-2. 3-Adil Khan (PAK) bt Vaibhav Sinha 11-1, 11-2, 11-1; Deepika Pallikal/Cyril Kuhn bt Siddharth Samatary/Sachin Jadhav 15-13, 15-7. 

Finally, Pallikal finds a coach
Article in DNA Sport : 30/1/2007

But Chinapa has been managing without one for a month now

They are the top squash players of the country. One is a junior Champion, while the other holds her own in the Senior section. Then, what's the difference between the two?

It's about their coach. Joshna Chinappa, the current would No.40, has run out of a coach for the first time. In fact, she has been without a coach for almost a month now. Meanwhile junior champion Dipika Pallikal has finally found one.

It was Mohd. Medhaad who last coached Joshna. That's not much of a concern for her though. "That does not bother me much. I am a professional player and I am well versed with the game. But the need of the houe is a trainer coach which I am looking for," says Joshna, after her 11-minute outing in the quarterfinal against Jindal player Shweta Singh at the ongoing Open Squash Championship here.

Fresh from a major tournament in New York where she beat some top players, Joshna is confident she can manage without a coach for now.

"One needs a coach in the initial stages but now i am a seasoned player. With my father beside me, a coach is not that important for me now," she says.

On the contrary Chennai girl Dipika has managed to find someone to coach her. After being stunted out of the academy in Chennai, thanks to Mittal Trust Dipika has found a coach Mohd Hafiz.

"He is much more than just a coach. He is also like a fried a guardian. I hope i will be able to take my rankings to inside 100 (She's currently ranked 123) with hsi guidance," says Dipika, while adding that Hafiz could not make it to India due to some visa problems. "It would have been great had he been here."

Joshna, Dipika in semifinals
Article in Free Press Journal : 30/1/2007

Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa literally walked into the women's semifinals of the ISP Open Squash Championship at the Club, Andheri on Monday. Joshna just needed 11 minutes before disposing off Jindal lass Shweta Singh 11-4 11-3 11-5 while Dipika who took some to settle down in the first game, swept aside the challenge of Anoushka patel 11-6 11-1 11-2. Joshna takes on Shivangi Paranjpe, a 11-2 11-3 11- winner over Kiran Mirpuri, next. Dipika will clash with Mandy Kennedy in the semis. In the men's section, Vikas Jhangra stunned fourth seed Shoukat Raza Khan 11-4 11-9 10-12 11-8. The other seeds had it easy to the last four.

Driving them away!
Article in Mid-day: 30th January 2007

Alleged indifference of the State Rackets Federation of India towards their careers is forcing India's squash talent to look for greener pastures abroad.

If the stories of Dipika Pallikal and Cyril Kuhn are any indications, then Indian squash may be going through what Indian academia faced in the '800s:brain-drain.

Disappointed with the alleged indifference of State Rackets Federation of India towards her career, 15 year old Dipika has shifted her base to Egypt while her doubles partner has his eyes set on Germany.

No pressure 

"I am training under Egyptian coach Mohd Essam Hafiz at Cairo since three months, said the Chennai lass after storming into the women's semifinals of the ISP Platinum Jubilee All India Squash Carnival at The Clun Andheri yesterday.

The India women's No. 2 confessed that the decision to end her five-year association with India Cements Limited (ICL) Academy was tough but something she had to do. "Now I am under no pressure. I am relaxed and can concentrate on my career. My game has improved vastly and my qualificatin for the pre quarters of the U-17 British Open proves it," she added.

Same story

Like Dipika, Khun is also planning to move abroad. "I am not allowed to play at the national level because of the German passport. But I was sssured that I would face no hassles in representing India. However, despite being in the top six, I was not included in the six-man squad to the Asian Juniors even after one of the top five junior players Vikram Malhotra pulled out," said Kuhn in a timid voice.

Said Dipika, "I was not called for the trials of the Asian Junior Open in HongKong scheduled to be held from February 3-7 despite being India's Junior No.1"

Different reasons

This followed the decision from SRFI to deny her a berth in the Doha Asian Games in December last year.

"I was asked to ready for the Doha Asian Games. Suddenly I learnt I wasn't included in the squad. The SRFI game me different reasons from being too young to compete in the Asiads to not being a medal prospect to lack of funding," she added.

PIL AGAINST SRFI FOR DOHA DRAW

Many senior coaches across the country came together to file a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Delhi High Court yesterday to highlight the grievances of the players and the manner in which the SRFI is functioning.

"We have nothing in particular against the SRFI. Our main objective is to clean the system and make its functions transparent," said main petitioner and former national coach AI Singh.

Allegations against SRFI are mainly in conjunction with the draw trouble at the Doha Asian Games. "When the draw was made by the SRFI, the Pakistani and MAlayasian officials involved were influenced by the Indian side," alleged another petitioner Rahul Kumar.

SRFI was involved in making an unruly draw in Chennai which saw the sixth seed Saurav Ghosal and fourth seed Ritwik Bhattacharys clashing in the Asian Games squash quarterfinals. This ensured that one of the two claimed a bronze medal.

SQUASH CARNIVAL
HINDUSTAN TIMES : Mumbai, January 23

INDIAN SQUASH PROFESSIONALS (ISP) will celebrate their 75^th tournament at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana and The Club, Andheri, from January 26 to 31. The ‘ISP Platinum Jubilee all india squash carnival 2007’ offers a prize money of Rs. 5.45 lakh. 

The six-day extravaganza will have top Indian players like Ritwik Bhattacharya and Vikas Jangra battling it out with against a Pakistan trio of Khalid Atlas Khan, Shoukat Raza Khan and Adil Atlas Khan in the men’s singles. The star attractions in women will be Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pillikal. 

ISP SQUASH FROM FRIDAY
DNA SPORTS : 24/1/2007

DNA Correspondent

Top Indian squash players will be vying for honours in the ISP Platinum Jubilee All- India Squash Carnival, to be organized by Indian Squash Professionlas from January 26 to 31 at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana and The Club, Andheri, respectively . 

In the men’s segment, indian number one and world no. 41 Ritwik Bhattacharya has received the top billing followed by three players from oakistan Khalid Atlas Ansari, Shaukat Raza and Adil Atlas Khan. The winner in the men’s segment will be richer by Rs. 1,00,000. whereas the runner up will take home Rs. 50,000. The losing semifinalists will be receiving Rs. 20,000 each respectively.

A PLATINUM JUBILEE TO COVET
Times of India : 24/01/2007 

MUMBAI : Fifteen years ago when Mahendra Agarwal decided to help the makers who taught him and his friends to play squash at The Leela, notably Chandrakant Pawar, he did not think of what lay ahead. But one thing led to another. 

This week, the Agarwal founded Indian Squash Professionals, will be staging its 75^th squash event making it a platinum jubilee to covet. And they are going to show off. And how? With big prize money, big stars, showbiz and all. No wonder they pride themselves as a unique sporting NGO. 

Indeed, the ISP has done more than most sporting associations and they have proved that a sporting NGO can exist in harmony with the local association. The ISP has thought out of the box to help boost squash which was a sport restricted to the downtown areas. They were the first to hold the doubles tournament in Mumbai. Thanks to ISP, the game spread into the suburbs. 

A number of clubs which had sprung up in the suburbs had squash courts. The ISP ensured that only qualified professionals worked at these clubs. They arranged coaching clinics for these pros so that the kids at the clubs got the benefit of uniform coaching. For the seniors, there were pros at the various hotels which had squash courts. And it was taken a notch higher when housing societies had squash courts and were able to use the services of pros from ISP. The pros became so confident that in no time they were hopping from club to club and improving their bank balance. Some of them have have flats and cars, all thanks to the push the ISP gave them. 

Their original mission fulfilled, ISP began diversifying: adopting players-for squash is a costly game-organizing coaching camp, having celebrities involved in the sport as well as ushering in new technology (like importing the Booster machine) and having their website. Arif Paul (1996), Deepali Anvekar (1997), Priyanka Yadav(1999), Abhishek Pradhan (2003), and Ankita Sharma (2005) have been the beneficiaries of ISP’s adoption.          

NOW, A SQUASH MARATHON
Times of India : 24/1/07 

Mumbai: After the marathon on the roads, it is time for a marathon indoors. 450 players will take part in 16 events over six days at the ISP Platinum Jubilee Squash Cranival to be held at The Club (Andheri) and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana. 

Ashish Gupta, the president of Indian Squash Professionals (ISP), said the age groups are from under 7 to over 60 ensuring all squash enthusiasts can test their skills. 

Doubles was the event that ISP promoted for the first time in Mumbai and it will see the most competitors. 

Indian top stars Ritwik Bhattacharya, Joshna Chinappa, Deepika Pallikal will be seen along with Pakistan players Khalid Atlas (ranked no. 80), Shaukat Raza and Adil Atlas. There will be some razmatazz as well with Nisha Sagar’s fashion show being the top of the list. 

The men’s singles winner stands to gain Rs. 1 lakh, with the runner-up getting richer by Rs. 50,000. while the women’s singles winner will take home Rs. 50,000. and the runner-up Rs. 25,000. prize money in all categories will be offered up to the semifinal stage.   

SEEDINGS :Men’s Open : 1. Ritwik Bhattacharya, 2. Khalid Atlas Khan (pak), 3. Shaukat Raza Khan (pak), 4. Adil Atlas Khan, 5. Vikas Kangra, 6. Manish Chotrani, 7. Roshan Gracious, 8. Harjinder Singh. Women’s Open : 1. Joshna Chinappa, 2. Dipika Pallikal.

Ritwik's Ready
Mid-day : January 24, 2007

India’s No 1 squas player Ritwik Bhattacharya will lead the Indian challenge in the men’s category of the ISP Platinum Jubilee All-India Squash Carnival 2007 that will also see three Pakistani players in action at Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana and The Club –– its official venue, from January 26-31.

World No 41, Ritwik, the top seed in this tournament, is followed by three Pakistanis — Khalid Atlas Khan (World No 80), Shaukat Raza Khan and Adil Atlas Khan.

New season

After an eventful 2006, Ritwik Bhattacharya is aiming to start his 2007 campaign on a solid note.

In fact, he arrived in the city quite early so as to get into the groove for the prestigious tournament.

“Earlier, I had planned a trip to America to play in some tournaments there. But, I changed my mind to have enough time to practice here,” Ritwik told MiD DAY.

“I had committed myself for this tournament and I’m very enthusiastic about it. I landed here five days earlier so as to get some crucial practice before the actual event gets underway on January 26,” he added.

Ritwik attained his all-time best ranking of 38 in November last year. However he had some forgettable matches against fellow Indian players — he has lost twice to India No 2 Saurav Ghosal and once to India No 3 Gaurav Nandrajog since August 2006.

His last major tournament was the Doha Asian Games where he went down to Ghosal 4-1 (9-4, 9-0, 6-9, 9-7) in the quarter-finals.

No Ghosal

However, Ghosal is not playing in this tournament.
So will he be missing out on some quality opposition?

“I don’t know about that because I have not received the draw yet. So, I am unaware who all are participating in the event.

But, I’d like to start the new season on a winning note and a win here would be a nice warm up for my Europe tour which is in February,” Ritwik said.

Source : http://www.mid-day.com/sports/national/2007/january/150721.htm 

Ritwik, Joshna to slug it out at squash carn
   By: Irfan Haji
   January 19, 2007

Agarwal, a builder by profession started playing squash in 1987 and decided to start Maharashtra Squash Professionals in 1991. The organisation flopped but he did not lose hope and launched the ISP in 1993 with the help of his friends.

“Squash helped me keep fit and I wanted to repay the game by making it popular among the public. We started with four members and now we have 20 committee members and 70 professionals,” Agarwal informed.

Free coaching

Besides organising tournaments throughout the calendar year, the organisation has conducted 27 free coaching camps.

“We hire experts like Abdul Shaikh (Canada) and Rahmat Khan (Pakistan) every year to conduct squash clinics,” he added.

ISP has also adopted players like Arif Paul (1996), Deepali Anvekar (1997), Priyanka Yadav (1999), Abhishek Pradhan (2003) and Priyanka Yadav. Top Maharashtra U-19 player Sandeep Jangra is also the beneficiary of sponsorship from the ISP.

Source : http://www.mid-day.com/sports/national/2007/january/150414.htm

 Rs 5.5 lakh ISP tourney to kick off
   By: A Mid Day Correspondent
   January 13, 2007  

THE Indian Squash Professionals Platinum Jubilee All-India Squash Carnival will be held at The Club and the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana from January 26 to 31.

Prize money worth Rs 5.50 lakh, including Rs 1 lakh for the men’s singles winner and Rs 50,000 for the women’s singles winners, is up for grabs.
Entry forms are available on www.ispsquash.com and can be sent to the Indian Squash Professionals Office No 2, Monarch Chambers, Marol Maroshi Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400059. Entries should reach on or before January 16. For further details contact: 28528444, 64521815, Fax: 28528445.

Hopes pinned on Indian athletes

President of the Athletics Federation of India Adille Sumariwala expects Indian athletes to stand out at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on January 21.
“We have many competent athletes like former national champion Shivdan Singh, Nathu Ram, Leelamma Alphonso, Reena Das and Sangini Devi. I
hope they do well,” he said at a press conference at the Hilton Towers yesterday.

Double gold-medalist at the Athens Olympics Britain’s Kelly Holmes,
former Sri Lanka cricketer Aravinda DeSilva and actor Rahul Bose were announced as the ambassadors of the marathon.

Source : http://www.mid-day.com/sports/local/2007/january/150087.htm

ISP POISED TO MAKE SPORTING HISTORY
(Article in Afternoon : 11/01/2007) 

The Indian Squash Professionals (ISP), the only non-profit making sports NGO in the India, functioning since 1993 is poised on the brink of an important milestone and founder director Mahendra Jagdish Agarwal is happy man, but far from contented. Happy because appreciation support for the activities of ISP is growing by the day and not content because there is lot of work yet to be done. 

From January 1993, till date , ISP has organized 73 tournaments, 26 free coaching camp all over India (including Rajkot and Mussorie) and adopted five players (Arif Paul, Deepali Anvekar, Priyanka Yadav, Abhishek Pradhan and Ankita Sharma). The ISP also has its own website, www.ispsquash.com, which is the only active squash website in the India, updated daily and receiving  monthly an average of 1.50,000 hits. The ISP also publishes a new magazine, “PROSQUASH” , which is being distributed to 3000 squash players free of cost and read by 15,000 squash lovers throughtout the country. This magazine has completed 38 issues. Yet, Agarwal is striving to do more, much more.

The ISP Platinum Jubilee All India Squash Carnival, to be held from January 26 to 31 at The Club and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana promises to be the biggest yet. Offering prize money Rs 5.54 Lakhs, the tournament will feature the cream of India’s talent, besides talented players from abroad who will be invited and hosted for the event. 

The ISP has many firsts to its credit, thanks to the initiatives of Agarwal. Together with other committee members he focused on promoting squash in the interiors of Maharashtra (Nanded, Beed, Satara, Pimpri, Kolhapur,Solapur, Aurangbad, Thane & Nasik) exposing masses to the game. He also restructured the foundation of the professionals – who were the backbone of Indian squash by setting up systems, procedures and performance standards. before 1993, a squash professional in Mumbai would get a mere salary of 2500 or 3000 rupees but now they minimum of Rs. 10000 per month. 

Agarwal has involved himself completely in promotion of the game and has succeeded to quite an extent with his energetic leadership, vision and spirit over the years. As committee member of the Squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra (SRAM), Agarwal succeeded in getting up three public squash courts in Andheri sports complex, Mumbai, Police Gymkhana, Mumbai and the Pimpri Chinchwad, Municipal Coorporation squash court in Pune.

ISP POISED TO MAKE SPORTING HISTORY
(Article in Free Press Journal : 11/01/2007) 

BY A SPORTS REPORTER 

The Indian Squash Professionals (ISP), the only non-profit making sports NGO IN India, functioning since 1993 is poised on the brink of an important milestone and founder director Mahendra Agarwal is a happy man. Happy because appreciation support for the activities of ISP is growing by the day and not content because there is a lot of work yet to be done. 

From January 1993, ISP has organized 73 tournaments, 26 free coaching camps all over India and adopted five players (Arif Paul, Deepali Anvekar, Priyanka Yadav, Abhishek Pradhan and Ankita Sharma). The ISP also has its own Website, www.ispsquash.com, which is the only active squash website in India, updated daily receiving monthly an average of 1,50,000 hits. The ISP also publishes a news magazine, “PROSQUASH”, which is being distributed to 3000 squash players free of cost and read by 15,000 squash lovers throughout the country. Yet, Agarwal is a striving to do more much more. 

The ISP platinum Jubilee all India squash Carnival, to be held from January 26 to 31 at the Club and Juhu Vile Parle  Gymkhana promises to be the biggest yet. Offering prize money of Rs. 5.45 lakhs, the tournament will feature the cream of India’s talent besides talented players from abroad who will be invited and hosted for the event. 

The ISP has many first to its credit, thanks to the initiatives of Agarwal. Together with other committee members he focused on promoting squash in the interiors of Maharashtra exposing masses to the game. He also restructured the foundation of the professional – who were the backbone of Indian squash by setting up system, procedures and performance standards. Before 1993 a squash professional in Mumbai would get a mere salary 3000 rupees but now they get minimum of Rs. 10000 per month.

Agarwal has involved himself completely in promotion of the game and has succeeded to quite an extent. As committee member of the squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra (SRAM), Agarwal succeeded in setting up three public squash courts in Andheri sports complex, police Gymkhana and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal corporation squash court in Pune. 

ISP was also instrumental in getting the Government of Maharashtra recognition for squash in May 2000, in association with SRAM. The ISP also introduced Jahangir Khan’s coach, Rahmat Khan to Indian squash. He conducted two camps for ISP and currently he is the head coach of Pakistan’s squash program. 

ISP’s effect in the promotion of the game has been appreciated by and congratulatory message have been pouring in form the Vice President’s office, Mani Shankar Iyer, Minister Youth Affairs and sports, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, CEC N Gopalaswami, Kapil Dev, Amitabh Bachchan to name a few.