Dipika talks to us about her love for Squash
Squash champ Dipika Pallikal is an idol for all sports buffs. The first Indian woman to make it to the Top 10 in the Women’s Squash Association (WSA). rankings, this 23-year-old is undoubtedly India’s best female squash player. In the midst of preparing for her upcoming tournaments, we speak to the rising start about her journey to fame.
You are the first Indian squash player to make it to the Top 10 in the WSA rankings. How does it feel to have achieved so much at such a young age?
It feels great to be amongst the Top 10. The most important thing for me is to stay consistent. I want to stay in the Top 10 and then soon break into the Top 5!
Receiving awards obviously makes you feel good. The Arjuna Award and later the Padma Shri award, are the biggest and most prestigious awards I have received till date. I have been receiving these awards, all thanks to my game, so I want to continue doing what I do best.
How did you become a squash player?
I was always into sports. I played every sport in school and took up squash by accident. Squash was a difficult journey. I have been living outside my house ever since I was thirteen. It’s hard looking after yourself when you are on your own, but I have enjoyed it.
You reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2012.
Playing for the Australian Open is always exciting. It’s like playing on home turf. I played a really tough match in the semi-finals and it gave me a lot of confidence.
We all know Dipika, the squash player. Tell us about Dipika, the 21-year-old girl.
I have always been into squash. I don’t know anything other than squash. I don’t get time to do anything other than playing. I am always on the court. Whenever possible, I spend time with my family. Other than that, I do love reading autobiographies, my favorite being the one of Andre Agassi.
When it comes to style, I am usually in my on-court outfit. So I don’t have any favourite outfits as such. But one thing not many people know about me is that I am a shopaholic; it doesn’t matter what brand it is.
What is your fitness regimen like?
I run for an hour in the morning, then go to the gym for another hour, then play squash for another hour and a half and then again play squash for the same time in the evening around 4 PM. I am not a diet freak nor do I follow any diet regimen. I keep my self fit by eating healthy and hitting the gym regularly.
What is your beauty regimen like?
We athletes have to sweat it out all the time so I really don’t wear much make-up. I have to stay hydrate at all times. So I drink plenty of water that has a positive effect on my skin.
Your message to women sportswomen…
I think the most important thing is to play the sport you enjoy; then no one can stop you from being the best. Do not take up the sports profession for the wrong reasons. Take up sports only if you love it and everything else will follow.
What does the future look like for you?
I want to be the world’s No. 1 squash player and I know you have got to take baby steps to get there. Achieve small goals to get to the big one. Currently, I am aiming for a Top 5 WSA ranking.
Do you feel women are encouraged enough in the sports field?
I think a lot of parents are coming forward and encouraging their children in sports. Sports careers are definitely growing in this country. Obviously men dominating games is more prevalent, but once you start winning medals for your family, I don’t think anyone should complain.
The government needs to start promoting sports at the grassroots. We have to have more academies and international coaches. The government also needs to work on the infrastructure provided to sportsmen and women.
What kind of training does it take to reach the top?
I think for a professional athlete, there is a lot of technical stuff. You have to change your game plan. You have to have physical endeavours and you need to have the mental ability to work under pressure.
Tell us about your family and life at home.
My family has been very supportive about me moving away and playing. I have a very close circle of friends I know I can fall back on. I am a family girl. I have two elder sisters and I love them dearly. I am very close to my parents and grandparents. We are a very close knit family and always stay in touch.
Image courtesy: Jitu Savlani
