Champion - Karnataka State Squash Tournament

TISB Grade 11 student, Rohan, recently won the Boys Under 19 and came second in the Men’s Open category in the annual Karnataka state squash tournament, an event hosted by the Karnataka State Squash Association. In the tournament, the best players from across the state participate in categories based on their age and gender. We got in touch with Rohan to find out more about the tournament and his journey there.

Sports have always been in my blood – Rohan, Grade 11

The  Karnataka state squash tournament took place at Swyng Squash in Sarjapur from January 30 to February 1, 2021. Rohan participated in both the Boys Under 19 category and the Men's Open. In the Boys Under 19 he played four matches, while in the men's he played five. “Each match was different and there was always a different game plan involved for each of my respective opponents”, says Rohan who has been playing since he was seven years old, and got serious about the game at the age of 12. In the Boys Under 19, Rohan won all matches, without dropping a game the whole tournament. In the Men’s Open he won four out of five matches, only losing in a closely fought final. “The men's category was extremely tough, where I took on the current State number two and three to reach the finals”, says Rohan, who found getting back into seriously playing squash refreshing following a year of Covid-19 and restrictions on movement.

Winning the first prize in the Boys Under 19 category and coming second in the Men’s Open has meant a lot to Rohan, who is very thankful towards his parents for the support they have given him. He is also happy with the support offered by TISB and the school staff, especially Mr Tarun who has been with him along the whole journey since Grade 3. Rohan says: “I am extremely thankful towards my school and teachers for providing me with the support of relentlessly pursuing my passion for squash, while still helping me balance my academics efficiently”. 

The success in the squash tournament opens up a lot of opportunities for Rohan, with regards to college and sponsorships, as well as a lot of self-motivation. “Moving forward, my training load will increase with me targeting to progress into the top ranks of squash on the National and international circuit”, says Rohan who spends about three hours a day on fitness and squash training. The whole experience has shown a great perspective to Rohan: “All in all, it was a fabulous experience to be the youngest player to reach the finals of the Men's category, as well as the first player in Karnataka to win the U19 category as well as finish 2nd in the Men's category”, he concludes.