CHENNAI: National head coaches are usually confined to the sidelines. But at the National Doubles Squash Championship here, Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu has stepped beyond that familiar role. The 37-year-old is back in competitive mode, partnering with 22-year-old Om Semwal in the men's category.
After his original partner pulled out, Semwal decided not to take part. But a last-minute call from Harinder changed things, with the national coach asking if he would be willing to team up. Incidentally, Harinder was partnering India No. 2 Ramit Tandon before the latter pulled out. This is the first time a national coach in Indian squash is taking part in an Open National competition.
On Wednesday, Harinder and Semwal received a walkover to progress to the quarterfinals. “It feels different. I am playing with one of the upcoming boys to give him the experience of what it feels like to compete at a higher stage,” said Harinder, a multiple Asian Games medallist. “I am here to share my expertise with everyone, and it is in fact good for the players. Yesterday (Tuesday), we had a long training session where I spoke to Joshna (Chinappa), Abhay (Singh), Vela (Velavan Senthilkumar), and the other pairs about what they need to do on court. In fact, it is working in their favour.”
The trials for the Asian Games will be held in Chennai from June 12 to 16.
