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Ritwik with actress Neha Dhupia
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Mumbai: It's not often that a squash player gets a limelight deserved for India's cricket heroes. But it happened on Wednesday at one of Mumbai's leading malls, Lifestyle at Phoenix High Street.
Indian squash hero Ritwik Bhattacharya was opening a Police sunglasses outlet along with Bollywood star Neha
Dhupia, with whom he has been linked in recent times.
Ritwik really enjoyed the attention and said the Police watches appealed to him because they were sporty. But he emphasised that the exposure he was getting as brand ambassador for Police was good for the sport in the long run.
Asked how a squash player got the chance to be in the company of heroes like Bruce Willis, Goerge Clooney and David Beckham, Ritwik said:``I have been the national No 1 for eight, nine years. Plus Haresh Chainani of Ganga watches was looking for a face that was not so known in India and so he picked me.'’ |
Ritwik is luckier than his
contemporaries. He said the top pros of the game are not known to endorse
any products. ``As far as I know Malaysian Aslan Iskander does some stuff
back home.''
Ritwik hasn't been signed by any other product so far. But India's No 2 woman player Deepika Pallikal has been modelling regularly.
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The Sesquicentennial Tri University Squash Championship was declared open by Dr. Vijay Khole, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai at the Sah & Sanghi Squash Court at the scenic Police Gymkhana on 3rd and 4th October 2006. In addition to the Universities belonging to the Tri University collaboration (Mumbai, Calcutta and Madras) Pune University also participated through invitation. After two days of competition the final standings were 1. Mumbai University, 2. Pune University 3. Calcutta University 4. Madras University. This championship was organised at the initiative taken by Dr. Ms. Indu Sahani and was hosted by H. R. College on behalf of the Mumbai University.
At the closing ceremony held at NSCI, Mahalaxmi Dr. A. D. Sawant Pro Vice Chancellor was the Chief Guest. Other Guests of Honours included Brig. Raj Manchanda, Principal Dr. Ms. Indu Shahani. Mr. Farhan Aghadi, a parent, hosted the dinner.
This was the 72nd tournament conducted by Indian Squash Professionals |
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Dr. Ms. Indu
Shahani |
Prosquash convinced Ms. Indu Shahani, Principal H. R. College to spare a few moments for an interview.
Prosquash- H. R. College and Squash are quite synonymous. How come H.R. produces so many Squash players?
Ms. Indu Shahani - Generally, students playing Squash for H.R. had already picked up Squash while in school- most of them studied in schools in south Mumbai where squash is quite popular. Realizing we had so many good squash players motivated us to organize an event like this, and encourage them in any way we can. In fact, it is the students who encouraged us to take initiatives.
Prosquash- H.R. stands out as far as promoting all sports is concerned. How do you manage to excel thus?
Ms. Indu Shahani - We have sports Councils for each sport, consisting of representatives from amongst the students. We try to involve a maximum number of students through the council into sports and aim for maximum participation for all.
Prosquash- You have a very talented player- Vikram Malhotra in your college.
Ms. Indu Shahani - Oh yes! A brilliant boy, unassuming and low profile. He is an example of how a sportsman should be.
Prosquash- Do tell us about your own sporting background.
Ms. Indu Shahani - I play Tennis and swim regularly. I was a Tabletennis champion for my college (H.R.College!). I've played Badminton too.
Prosquash- What does the future hold for Squash at H.R.?
Ms. Indu Shahani - The future is bright. We will make this event more popular. We want the present champions to mentor other players. We will shortly organize meets where they can address the other upcoming players.
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