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Laxman Joshi is perhaps the fittest players in
Maharashtra. Extremely disciplined in court, his has been a long stint at the top levels of the game while having some extremely talented players in his age group like Vikram Malhotra and his current rival Cyrus
Vakil. Always determined and displaing fighting qualities that are an example to other player at the Jindal Squash Academy, he put his abilities to best use at Junior Inter State Championships in 2004 at Ajmer to do his State proud. His honesty and exemplary conduct on court has resulted in him being awarded with a fairplay award at Western India Open in 2004. Excerpts from the interview.
ISP- When and how did you start playing Squash?
Laxman- I was initially a swimmer. I started in 2000 In Jindal Academy when I learnt about Sandeep Jangra and his success and the popularity of squash, and wanted to be in the limelight too. |
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Laxman Joshi |
ISP- You are the fittest player in Maharashtra. How hard do you train?
Laxman- At least two hours a day. This includes fitness and ball drills.
ISP- How do you manage your studies?
Laxman- I go to college in the morning, have extra classes in the afternoon, and train in the evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
ISP- What is your aim?
Laxman- My aim is to be better at squash. I want to be Under-17 National Champion. |
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Rajat Agarwal |
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In times where wit and fine sense of humor are getting harder to find, it is good to come across a squash player who has these qualities in abundance, and whose squash skills are developing quickly as well. The player is just 8 years of age, and has just won his first title- All India Little Masters Open Under-9 Champion. A student of Don Bosco Borivali and training at Club Aquaria, names that are now synonymous with Squash Champions, the player is Rajat
Agarwal. His coach A. I. Singh had the pleasure of interviewing him right after his title win. Ask witty Rajat a googly question, and expect a funny answer. With those listening to the interview splitting their sides with laughter, here is how the hilarious interview went.
A.I.- Rajat, give me an interview. I’ll ask you some question, you give me answers.
Rajat- Bye Bye. (Tries to run away). |
A.I.- (Catches him). This is not like a school test. Only Squash questions. How do you feel after winning your first title?
Rajat- (Sits down. Contemplates). Well. I won my first title. Big achievement.
A.I.- (Ignores the contemplation). Are you happy or sad?
Rajat- First write what I said.
A.I.- (Obeys). Okay. Now?
Rajat- Very very very happy
A.I.- How have you managed to win such a big title?
Rajat- Plan was to make opponent run all the time and play the ball away from him even if that was risky. In the last game, I tried to relax mentally, swing freely and serve well. That helped me win 9-1.
A.I.- Surely you must have done something in training to be able to do all that in a big match?
Rajat- Did more fitness.
A.I.- Do you like fitness training?
Rajat- Little bit. First I used to hate it.
(So much so, that one day while training, I asked him if he doesn’t want to train hard, why not retire from Squash. The answer- “Retire? Even if I Expire, I’ll go up and play Squash!”). But I’ll train harder now.
A.I.- (Throwing a googly) How many rackets have you broken so far?
Rajat- 3. Slazenger, Head, Dunlop.
A.I.- Last time I asked you said 10. When I asked when you will score 100, you said ‘dekhte hain’. So?
Rajat- (Amused) What silly questions you’re asking. I don’t want an interview. (Goes away for a drink).
A.I.- Come back. Tournament rules say you must meet reasonable requests for interviews. I’ll complain to (Tubby) sir (Tournament director).
Rajat- No. (Has second thoughts) Show me? (Is shown the rule, is satisfied and comes back).
A.I.- What do you want to achieve?
Rajat- Maharashtra Ex- No-1 in Under-9.
A.I.- What? Let me explain. You’re already Maharashtra No-1, and probably India no-1 in Under-9, Boys and Girls.
Rajat- Then World Under-9 Champion.
A.I.- There is no World Under-9 Championship. Only Under-19. The best you have is British Under-13 Boys Title. Want it?
Rajat- Oh! (Frustrated) From where to where you have taken the interview. (Cuts a long story short) I want to beat Arjun Kochhar 9-0, 9-0, 9-0 like he beat me yesterday (in Under-11).
A.I.- Anything else you want to say?
Rajat- No.
A.I.- Any thanks to anyone?
Rajat- My coach and parents.
A.I.- In that order- first coach then parents?
Rajat- Yes. (Runs away).
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