Joshna Chinappa -- sweating in Cairo for glory in Doha

New Delhi, Nov 15 (UNI) The huge pyramids or the Great Sphinx of Giza -- nothing apparently can distract Joshna Chinappa from her single-minded determination for a podium finish in the Doha Asian Games as the top Indian squash player sweats it out in the glass-walled courts in far away Cairo.

After the bickering with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) was pushed to the backburner and Joshna was named in the squad for the Asian Games, the Chennai girl is working overtime to live up to the expectations and hopes to finish in the medal bracket in Doha.

Talking to UNI from Cairo, where she is working on the finer aspects of her game under the watchful eyes of her coach and former Egyptian international Mohammad Medhaat, Joshna sounded upbeat.

''Now that I'm going to Doha to represent the country, I don't want to leave any stone unturned and that's the reason why I decided to come to Cairo and get top class training here,'' she said.

''A medal in Doha is not going to be a stroll in the park, for others would be out there to spoil your party. But a Bronze medal is a realistic goal for me there and I'm feeling more confident after I started practising here,'' Joshna explained.

The two-time SAF Gold medallist, ranked a career high 42nd, would have to be at her best to walk away with a medal in presence of the likes of World champion Nicol David of Malaysia and her compatriot and world number 16 Sharon Wee, besides Rebecca Chiu of Hong Kong who is ranked 19th.

Asked about her training, Joshna said, ''I am currently working on my fitness and movement on court. I'm also playing a lot of practice matches with a variety of players as well.

'' I think I have improved a lot and playing some good squash, which makes me feel confident. I'm also trying to be more consistent,'' said the national champion.

Backed by the Mittal Champions Trust, Joshna, a brand ambassador for Canara Bank, thanked her sponsors for the exposure and said playing abroad has made her a better player.

''Playing abroad gives you an idea about where you stand and with their support, I got the much-needed exposure. My last trip to America was quite fruitful and I did reasonably well there.'' she said.

And quite happy with her gradual climb up the ranking ladder, the Chennai girl said she wants to continue the trend.

''I'm hoping to break in to the top 25-30 next year,'' she added.

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