‘I am a movie freak’

Feb 04, 2013 - Harpreet Kaur Lamba

The only Indian woman to break into the top-10 of the world squash rankings, Dipika Pallikal nurtures a dream of becoming world number 1 one day.

“That is my ultimate aim,” says Pallikal, who clinched three WISPA tour titles in 2011 — the Orange County Open in California, the Dread Sports Series tournament in Washington and the Crocodile Challenge Cup in Hong Kong.
The triple triumph gave her a career-best rank of 13 and in 2012, she went one further breaking into the top-10.
Listed among the 50 most beautiful women in India recently by Femina, Pallikal talks about her career plans, her fears and a wish to invite Roger Federer for dinner. A look into the little-known side of the Chennai-based girl:

Earliest sporting memory: School memories, the whole spirit of competition amongst various houses/teams.

Sport played: Squash, tennis, badminton. I love all racquet sports.

Most memorable sporting moment: Winning the 2012 Asian team championships in Dubai.

Worst sporting moment: Falling sick at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi

Questions most asked by the public/press: Will I get into movies?

Sporting heroes: Roger Federer, Nicol David

Favourite venues: Tournament of Champions, New York City

Sport you would pay the most to see: Tennis

Biggest regret: Will be the same as my worst sporting moment. Because what’s worse than losing, is not having a chance to compete. Falling sick at the Commonwealth Games at home was something I wish never happened.

Who would you most like to invite to dinner and why? Roger Federer, who wouldn’t want to invite him for dinner!

Person you learnt most from: I learn a bit from everyone. My parents and my coach are the people I look up to and learn a lot from them. Their stories, their experiences.

How would you like to be remembered? Indian squash player, who conquered the world

Your hobbies: Movies, movies and more movies. Lately I’ve started reading too. I enjoy watching other sport too.

What do you never leave home without? My phones.

A habit you wish to get rid of: Sometimes when people talk to me, I have this habit of randomly twirling my hair. I think I need to give that a break.

Favourite actors: Aamir Khan and after seeing Argo, Ben Affleck is definitely up there.

Any superstition? I always step on the squash court with my right foot first.

Funniest fan letter/proposal? I got a birthday letter along with a big teddy bear. The letter was very flattering but it’s funny to read people write stuff about me. It’s sweet though.

Where do you see yourself in five years? As world number 1.

One thing that frightens you the most: Lizards. I am petrified of them.

What if not a squash player? Never thought of an alternative because from a very young age, squash was all I wanted and it continues to make me happy.

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