JOIN USIndia completed a grand double at the squash competition here at the 12th South Asian Games on Wednesday, annexing both the men’s and women’s team championship gold.
While the women blanked Pakistan 2-0, the men were made to sweat by the same rivals before they held their nerve in securing a thrilling 2-1 victory at the RG Baruah Sports Complex.
A gold for the women was a mere formality with star players Joshna Chinnappa and Dipika Pallikal taking charge although the latter didn’t have to take court at all. The limelight was on the men’s battle with India hit hard by the injury to Hardinder Sandhu and Pakistan having two promising players in their ranks.
Saurav Ghosal had huge hopes hinging on his shoulders after being pitted against Pakistan top player and world no 35 Nasir Iqbal. The match was an intensely fought one, filled with plenty of rallies and some crafty play by both players.
Ghosal’s fightback
World No 20 Ghosal, who suffered a shock semifinal defeat in the singles competition, was in a mood to make up for that disappointment, dominating the key moments in the match that forced Nasir to bring in a more physical approach from the second set onwards. The Pakistani’s ploy didn’t work as Ghosal carried far too much ammunition in sealing a 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 victory.
That win notwithstanding, India found themselves in a spot of bother when Danish Atlas Khan defeated Ravi Dixit. However, Kush Kumar ensured India have the last laugh, downing Farhan Zaman 11-3, 11-8, 12-10 to secure gold.
Results (both gold medal matches): Men: India beat Pakistan 2-1 (Saurav Ghosal bt Nasir Iqbal 11-7, 11-8, 11-7; Danish Atlas Khan bt Ravi Dixit 11-3, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6; Kush Kumar bt Farhan Zaman 11-3, 11-8, 12-10).
Women: India bt Pakistan 2-0 (Joshna Chinnappa bt Maria Toorpaki Wazir 11-8, 4-11, 11-5, 11-9; Sunayna Kuruvilla bt Sammer Anjum 10-12, 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6).