The Indian junior boys’ team created history when they downed archrivals and defending champions Pakistan in the 15th Asian junior squash championships final held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday. India have won the prestigious tournament for the first time in their history since the inception of the Asian championships in 1981.
Playing to a packed crowd at the Sri Lankan Air Force base squash venue, the Indian players comprising Ramit Tandon, Abhishek Pradhan, Mahesh Mangaonkar and Vrishab Kotian rose to the occasion as they outmanoeuvred and outplayed the mighty Pakistanis.
Indian No. 1 and captain Ramit Tandon who had been untested so far confirmed that he is certainly the most improved player in recent times with a superb display. Playing Danish Atlas Khan, the Pakistani No. 1, he showed no nerves in a match that lasted 90 minutes. After winning the first game 11–7 with his comprehensive finish shots, Ramit was pumped up. He lost the second game 6-11, but came back strongly in the third to nail it by the narrowest margins 11-9.
Danish then took the fourth game 11-8, setting up a riveting decider. The two played great squash and the score was neck to neck till 6-6 before Ramit jumped to a 9-6 lead. Danish then fought back to level the score and 9-9. The next two were blistering rallies with both players moving to every inch of the court. Ramit finally won the game 11-9 with a backhand volley drop. It was a great match and the crowd was entertained to high-class squash, which kept all fans glued to their seats until the very last point.
S. Maniam, consultant coach of the SRFI, said on Ramit: “I have not seen such a skilled Indian player in the last decade.”
Abhishek Pradhan next met Nasir Iqbal. As much as Abhishek tried, he couldn’t prevent a 0-3 loss.
The decider saw two lanky players in action, Mahesh Mangaonkar and Sadam Ul Haq. From the outset Mahesh stamped his authority and did not give the Pakistani an inch. Showing true class Mahesh romped home 3-0 to spark wild celebrations in the Indian camp.
“This win certainly augurs well for Indian squash, all the hard work put in by the players has produced the desired result,” said Maniam.
“This is certainly a dream come true. I am lost for words to express my happiness. Ramit was the hero of the day; he has worked so hard for this,” said national coach Cyrus Poncha.
Results: Final: India bt Pakistan 2-1 (Ramit Tandon bt Danish Atlas Khan 11/7, 6/11, 11/9, 8/11, 11/9; Abhishek Pradhan lost to Nasir Iqbal 4/11, 7/11, 3/11; Mahesh Mangaonkar bt Sadam Ul Haq 11/7,11/2, 11/6).