Joshna Chinappa out of the Squash Nationals, Akanksha Salunkhe marches on
Goa's Akanksha Salunkhe produced the upset of the tournament at the 81st Squash Nationals on Wednesday, stunning 18-time champion and Indian squash legend Joshna Chinappa to storm into the women's final. The massive victory not only sets up a title clash with teen sensation Anahat Singh but also secures both players a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming Squash World Cup in Chennai this December.
In a thrilling four-game semifinal, the 26-year-old Akanksha was tactically brilliant against the 38-year-old Joshna. After winning the first two tight games, Akanksha held her nerve following a third-game fightback from the veteran to close out the match 11-5, 13-11, 7-11, 12-10 and book her place in the final.
Despite the defeat, Joshna Chinappa's passion for the sport and for representing her country remains undimmed. "A lot of it has to do with playing for the country and winning medals. That has been a huge motivation for me from the time I started," she said. After a two-decade-long career and a recent knee surgery, she acknowledged the need to train "smarter," listening to her body more than she could in her 20s
While the LA 2028 Olympics might be "a little bit of a stretch right now," the decorated champion revealed that the Asian Games next year are a more realistic target. "Asian Games is certainly on the back of my mind... but it all depends on certain questions like how am I playing, am I fit, can I earn my spot in the team," she admitted, proving that the legendary fighter's journey may not be over yet.
