#NewsBytesExclusive: Meet 15-year-old squash sensation Anika Dubey and her coach
What's the story
15-year-old Anika Dubey is a rising name in the world of squash. The young athlete from Pune recently won the Junior National U-19 Squash Championship in Chennai, defeating older and more experienced players. She also represented India at the World Junior Squash Championships in Cairo earlier this year. Speaking exclusively to NewsBytes, Anika and her visionary coach Abhinav Sinha share details of their journey.
Information
Dubey polished her skills in Chance2Sports
It must be noted that Dubey has been training under Abhinav, the founder of Chance2Sports, who focuses on mentoring young athletes from different backgrounds and helping them reach competitive levels. Sinha himself is a professionally trained squash player with nearly two decades of competitive experience.
Belief
Who instilled belief in you to challenge older athletes?
Anika credited her parents, coach, and consitent training for her belief to challenge older athletes. "My parents and my coach instilled the belief. Additionally, I have been training extensively, which has given me a lot of confidence in my matches as well." With each round in the Junior National U-19 Squash Championship being knock-outs, Anika had no room for any error.
Challenge
'The first round was intimating'
"I had to play the qualification as I did not have a ranking. Then I played the first round against the top-seeded player.. So, that was a bit scary because if I won, the rest of the matches would definitely be easier. "However, if I lost, I was completely out of the tournament in the first round itself," the rising star said.
Rise of squash
Where do you squash in India in the next decade?
"Squash is improving a lot. Having been included in the 2028 LA Olympics, the sport has received a huge boost. In recent years, we have also won medals in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. A lot of players from smaller cities are also showing their interest. So I think that squash will improve a lot. It will be an all-over-India type of sport."
Coach's influence
Which X-factor separates Abhinav sir from other coaches?
"I think he has a lot of technique and tactical knowledge compared to other coaches. He is very strong in that. And when I started, I was very weak. So, his guidance in integrating various training modules - including mental training, nutrition, and strength work - helped me build a solid foundation. I have been training at Chance2Sports programme since the age of 12."
Challenge
How did you strike balance between studies and squash?
"In the 7th grade, I had a lot to manage a lot among squash, training, and studies. There were a few times when I was almost in a state of mental breakdown. Then I took a break for a while. I learned the importance of rest. Otherwise, I would over-train. Gradually, I learned to strike the balance."
Abhinav's dream
What inspired Abhinav to open Chance2Sports program?
On being asked about his inspiration to open the Chance2Sports program, Anika's coach Abhinav said, "Since I have played for India across different levels for over 20 years, I always felt that the system has nothing for younger athletes." "There was a lack of proper training and guidance. These factors also hinder the growth of athletes in the country."
Reminces
How was the training module during your early days?
"When we used to train back in the day, there was no concept of strength training. It was so bad. We were lucky, we were working hard. However, in comparison with athletes from top nations, our preparations were lacking. I played my World Juniors in 2009. I was probably the first player from Pune to play in the championship."
Perspective
The crucial tour of Australia
"When I went to Australia in 2013, I figured out that the training model in India is basically not a training model. There is nothing. We are way behind. So with that motive, I wanted to give back to the system. So I started this Chance2Sports programme, helped some juniors, introduced them to proper training, what fitness is, and the importance of nutrition."
Challenges
Did you face any financial challenges ?
"Financial backing is important for everything. So yes, there were several challenges when I started this program. However, I kept going and was fortunate to receive support from some prominent names in the industry such as Deb Kanga, Naval Pandole, and Anil Nayar. So, like-minded, senior people, who were following squash, they liked what we were doing. Hence, those people also supported us."
Goals
What is your next goal?
"We are currently able to give some financial help to several kids who can't afford the expenses. And now, we have launched a new campaign where my dream is to test about 3,000 players over the next five years. From that, I want to give at least 300 kids a chance to play squash or any other racquet sports."
Result-oriented outcome
What separates Chance2Sports from other foundations?
"The differentiation in our foundation versus any other is we are more result orientated. We don't want kids to invest time in sports for nothing. So, basically, there should be an outcome as well. It's not like he played for 1-2 years and wasted his time and didn't study as well. In this scenario, even talented kids hesitate to take part in sports."
Message
What message you would like to give to aspiring athletes?
"I have a message for parents and players who are planning to play any sports, not only squash. Take the examples of Anika and Vasundhara who have come from very different backgrounds but have established themselves in an elite sport. So the message is if these girls can, then I think everyone has a good chance."
Taboo
Is women's sports still a taboo in India?
"Sports is one of the things where politics, religion, region, and your gender should have no part to play. Fortunately, the taboo is not much in metro cities. However, the players who come from very small towns are still facing these issues. Nevertheless, these problems only persisit until you are successful. After that, even the critics and orthodox people become supportive."