Former world no 1 David Palmer said “lack of education about squash” was a reason Indians lagged behind and the Australian star was optimistic that in coming days the sport would gain popularity in the country.
“Here cricket is the biggest sport. I believe educating people about squash and showing its great benefits will popularise the sport. India has had some great athletes and I am hopefull that squash players can also be included in that list,” Palmer told this paper.
“I see a lot of talent and potential in kids here. The biggest area of problem is the lack of information, technique and technical handling. All these children bear some incredible assets and great traits. It impresses me to see them run and the way they move. I think it’s just the matter of understanding the game and preparation… that will make a difference,” the two-time World Open winner added.
Palmer was in the country to hold a week-long clinic for selected under-privileged children in Gurugram. The campaign is ReNew Power’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and the 41-year-old Aussie visits twice a year for the cause, helping the children sharpen their skills, improve fitness and help discover the champion in them.
“This is my fourth trip to India, the kids are very refreshing and full of enthusiasm. I have enjoyed this opportunity, it has helped me provide training to kids and to maximise their potential. I try to give as much information as I can. It is very rewarding for me when I come here, the kids are really friendly and lively,” Palmer, who runs an academy in Orlando, Florida, said.
“Introducing kids to the sport at an early age through schools, clubs or such camps can go a long way in promoting the sport in India. And this exactly what ReNew Power is doing here in India. The company identifies young, ambitious yet under-privileged prodigies from rural India and provide them training in squash.
“The idea here is to make the game accessible to the kids who have the potential to do big things for India in this sport but do not have the means to achieve it,” the four-time British Open winner added.
Once Palmer leaves, responsibility of building on the gains from the camp falls on Ravi Dixit, who is among the top-ranked players in the country.
Asked about the mantra for a successful career for the upcoming players here, he said, “Anything is possible. Excelling in any profession is not a cakewalk. If one works hard then he or she can succeed. It all comes down to how hard they work and train because there is no lack of talent in these kids. All the renowned players have worked very hard towards their goals and they continue to do so.”
Palmer, a native of Lithgow in New South Wales, turned his back on competitive squash in 2011 to concentrate on his academy but was tempted out of retirement to compete on home soil at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year. He teamed with Zac Alexander and defended his men’s doubles gold.
“I don’t have any plans to go back on tour again. That was one last opportunity, on top of it to visit Australia. I still have my own academy… give coaching to some of the top players. I look forward to begin working and coaching,” said Palmer, who also clinched two gold medals — mixed doubles and the men’s doubles — at the Glasgow CWG in 2014.
“I have two daughters, and they keep me busy. I am pretty easy going. I am not high maintenance. Therefore, I just enjoy coaching and being with my family.”
