SQUASH QUEENS
Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal open up
Aday before the squash doubles event started at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Joshna Chinappa went shopping for trinkets and souvenirs. Upon her return, she shared her finds with roommate Dipika Pallikal, who, too, had just returned from a spending spree along with fiancé Dinesh Karthik, only to realise both of them had picked up the same tee!
The Chennai girls, who won a historic gold medal at Glasgow showing chemistry that was as good as their penchant to buy identical tees, are, however, contrasting players. While Dipika comes across as an aggressive player who is not averse to showing emotions inside the glass court, Joshna is composure personified. Their repertoire of shots and playing styles are different too, and it actually helps them complement each other on the court.
“We have respect for each other and the bonhomie was built over the years from the time we trained together as kids,” said Dipika, who will turn 23 next month. When the girls are pitted against each other, Joshna says, they don’t pull punches. “As professionals, both of us want to win. At the same time, we are quite relaxed and don’t let our on- court rivalry affect us off it,” added the 27year- old Joshna.
The gold medal at the Scottish city — a first for Indian squash at the Commonwealth Games — was a momentous occasion and it should have ushered in a special bash. But, Dipika and Joshna preferred to be holed up in their room. “We were just chilling because the event took a toll on us. Our other teammates went out and partied on our behalf,” said Joshna.
Since their junior days, they have travelled together and enjoyed each other’s company on the circuit. “We have gone on wild shopping sprees, tried different cuisines and seen quite a few places. We tease each other often and it’s nice that we get along so well. It does reflect on our court chemistry,” said Joshna, who made waves as a precocious talent, winning the senior national title at 14, much before Dipika burst on to the scene.
For Dipika, sports runs in her blood as her mother Susan played cricket for India. She started with tennis before switching to squash. Joshna took up the racquet sport because she wanted to escape studying! “I hated studies. But my parents, especially mom, insisted that I finish schooling and also get a degree. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it was not for my family. I am lucky to have supportive grandparents and a little brother who rallies around me,” said Joshna.
Though called Joshna, her mum added an extra alphabet — a — to her name — Joshana. “She wanted my name to have seven letters as she considers it lucky. So in my passport, school and college records, it is Joshana. But my mom changed her mind later and went back to Joshna. However, I still sign as Joshana in emails as it’s stuck in my head,” she explained.
Youngest of three daughters, Dipika is a pampered child. Dipika’s mother says her daughter splurges on brands. “A few years ago, she was crazy about gadgets. Now, it’s bags, shoes and clothes. But she never buys anything without consulting me. My husband is the biggest beneficiary of Dipika’s globetrotting as he gets a gift — mostly a duty free item — every time she comes back from a tournament,” says her mother, Susan.
Joshna is not an impulsive buyer. “Whatever I buy, I want to feel that I deserve that. No reckless and impulsive shopping for me,” said Joshna who has a sweet tooth and loves chocolates.
Coming from a Syrian Christian family, Dipika is very religious and also strongly believes in superstitions. There were times that she faithfully followed her quirky rituals of wearing the same pair of socks throughout a tournament, and shoe laces in different colours. “I have stopped some of them. But I still carry my prayer books in the kit bag,” Dipika adds.
Both Joshna and Dipika mean business when they hit the gym as only the fittest can survive in the high- action sport. Dipika trains with Chennai- based Shankar Basu ( Royal Challengers Bangalore), while Rajamani Prabhu who works with various Tamil Nadu cricketers is the man behind Joshna’s fitness. It was at Basu’s fitness centre where the cupid struck for Dipika. She got engaged to cricketer Karthik earlier this year and the duo are expected to tie the knot in 2015. “We haven’t decided the dates. It’s a crucial year for Dipika as it’s been her dream to win medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games ( to be held in Incheon, South Korea from September 19),” said Susan. In August 2011, while playing in the Hamptons Open in New York, Joshna fell, tearing a ligament in her right knee. She went under the knife. Many thought it was the end of her career. “It wasn’t easy. I could barely walk in the first month after the surgery. At one point, I also had doubts in my mind about whether I would ever be able to play again. But I had the right people around me. Ritwik Bhattacharya, former India pro, played a key role in my comeback,” she said.