Professionals should be respected: Pawar

Mumbai, Dec 11 (UNI) Nine-time National and 10-time CCI-Western India Professionals squash champion Chandrakant Pawar, the brain behind the formation of the Squash Professional Association (SPA), today voiced his frustration over the ill treatment meted out to Professionals.

Speaking to reporters here, Pawar said the commitment of Professionals was hardly appreciated and they did not get respect from the players. This was one of the reasons why they formed the SPA.

''As I said earlier, the Professionals play a key role but the rewards and appreciation are paltry in contrast,'' he explained.

''Most parents can only rely on the Professionals to groom their children. We too need to be paid substantial fees and need improved facilities and infrastructure to see the sport get better. A majority of the fees should come to us. Instead, it is the other way round, where 75 per cent goes to the clubs and the remainder to us,'' he rued.

Another disadvantage is, they train the players the whole day and as a result they were forced to neglect their game,'' he added.

Avinash Bhavnani of Otters Club felt that the role of the Professionals in the promotion of squash could not be ignored and they cannot do without them. With all their limitations, they are doing a fantastic job.

Pawar is a legend in his own right. There is not a single squash player in Mumbai who has not trained under him. The sport is on the map due to the efforts of the Professionals.

''I too believe they need to be rewarded for their efforts,'' he added.

''The Squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra (SRAM) could also help to improve the lot of the Professionals,'' Pawar suggested.

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