EXCLUSIVE: Joshna Chinappa breaks silence on Squash ‘finally’ being included in the 2028 LA Olympics
Squash and Cricket to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after gaining the approval of the International Olympic Committee.
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Joshna Chinappa (Image via: Open Source)
Joshna Chinappa has been the queen of Indian squash for over two decades. Her rivalry with Dipika Pallikal is well chronicled and the two have brought the best out of each other.
On Monday, Joshna, granddaughter niece of Late KM Cariappa, the first Commander In Chief of the Indian Army, was celebrating. No, it did not have to do with her winning one more medal, but how her sport got Olympic recognition at last.
In a quick chat with FIRST SPORTZ, 37-year-old Joshna, who won a bronze medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games was ecstatic. She has been part of six Asian Games campaigns, which is massive longevity!
“It’s absolutely amazing squash is finally in the Olympics! We are so deserving to be there for the longest time and it’s great that the sport is finally on the biggest sporting stage to be showcased,” said a thrilled Joshna.
She grew up pursuing sports as a passion. From turning pro in 2003 to competing for India, her journey has been one of total commitment. Even now, she puts in long hours of training, hoping one day her sport will become a medal-winning one at the Olympics. That came true on Monday when the IOC (International Olympic Committee) session in Mumbai gave squash the nod for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
When asked about her goals and past wins, Joshna was modest. “Playing six Asian Games has been a long journey. For now, I am taking it year by year,” she said, not thinking too far ahead about her own career.
All the same, Joshna is hoping squash will get a fresh impetus in India. “We look forward that this will elevate the support given to squash and will be treated on par with the financial support given to other Olympic sports in India and around the world,” said Joshna.
Squash finally set for Olympic inclusion at LA 2028
She could easily be away from the grind of squash courts and enjoy life in Coorg and coffee estates! But then, Joshna has loved her sport and been part of it for so long, she eats, sleeps, dreams squash. This sport is her life.
“As a (squash) team we have done very well for the last many years at the Commonwealth Games, Asians Games, and on the professional tour. So I believe it’s very likely we can have a medal winner from India at the Olympics,” said Joshna.
On this day, India is celebrating as cricket has been included in the 2028 Olympics. Yet, one cannot ignore squash, as the medals from the Asian Games were fantastic. Champions like Joshna may not be as popular as Virat Kohli but they are part of Indian sports history in a big way.
“I think with the right support financially for training and playing tournaments at the professional level, it will encourage the younger generation to take up the sport professionally. Hopefully, they can represent India consistently and hopefully, we can have more players on the world stage,” is Joshna’s wish.
There are many like Saurav Ghoshal who have also been part of India’s rich squash history, yet Joshna has been a maverick of sorts. Her life has been about this extremely fast game. Will she be there in LA in 2028? As she said, taking it one year at a time. That’s the best philosophy for someone who has been part of India at the Asian Games for a record 24 years!
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