Asian Games: Saurav Ghosal identifies India's biggest challenge, and incentive
Former Indian squash champion Saurav Ghosal discusses his transition from player to mentor for Anahat Singh ahead of the Asian Games. He emphasizes the high stakes of the tournament, which now serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics.
Why it matters
The inclusion of Olympic qualification adds significant pressure and prestige to regional sporting events like the Asian Games.
New Delhi: For the first time in 24 years, Saurav Ghosal will watch an Asian Games from the sidelines. The former India No. 1, whose first appearance in the continental event came in Busan 2002, stepped away after nine medals: two gold, two silver and five bronze. But he did so with one lingering regret: no singles gold medal.Now, his role has changed. Ghosal is a mentor to teenage sensation Anahat Singh, who carries India's gold medal hopes to Aichi-Nagoya. With squash also offering direct qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for its gold medallists, the stakes are higher than ever.In a conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Ghosal reflected on watching instead of playing, preparing Anahat for the biggest tournament of her young career, and why India should judge this squad by medals — not merely potential."I wish I was there. I wish I was still playing.
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