Joshna set to compete in record 7th Asian Games

CHENNAI: Only a handful of athletes sustain excellence across generations, and Joshna Chinappa is among them. Having made her Asian Games debut at the age of 15, the veteran squash player is now on course for a record seventh appearance at the continent’s biggest multi-sport event, 24 years later.On Sunday, Joshna finished on top of Group A in the trials here, winning all four of her matches. The result secured her a place in the Asian Games squad, with the official list set to be released after the conclusion of trials.“I remember that trip (Busan Asiad) so clearly. It was one of my favorite events because I was playing for India on such a big stage. I got to spend time and hang out with all the top athletes. My biggest joy and motivation are playing for India and that has always been, from the time I was young,” Joshna said.“Before squash made the Olympics, the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games were the biggest events for us to showcase what a great sport squash is. Of course, to win medals over there also was very special. So that was what going into the Games was for us,” Joshna added.In the trials, before the final Group game, Joshna had conceded only one game, but on Sunday, youngster Unnati Tripathi gave a good account of herself before going down 2-3 to the veteran.

Earlier, Joshna defeated Pooja Arthi, Rathika Seelan and Akanksha Salunkhe. The five-time Asian Games medallist had to play two matches on a single day and found her draw pretty tough.“I knew, coming in, either I play my best squash, or I am not going to make it to the team. I became pretty focused and I have been preparing for this for almost a couple of years now. I just hope that I can contribute as a member of the team in the Asian Games.”