Maharashtra teenager Aishwarya Khubchandani defied the odds and played to her potential to complete a grand double. The sturdy and athletically built Aishwarya, who had earlier won the Girls’ Under-17 title, maintained the winning momentum and went on to bag the women’s crown in the Rs 5.5 lakhs prize money 4th NSCI All India Open (Junior and Senior) Squash Tournament 2019.
Aishwarya Khubchandani
The 15-year-old Aishwarya showed great touch and produced some impressive performances, especially in the women’s competition as he defeated both the top two seeds en route to emerging champion. In the women’s final, Aishwarya showed no signs of nerves and instead played confidently against Maharashtra’s second seed Sachika Balvani and romped to a 3-1 win with a degree of comfort. The upcoming talent Aishwarya showed great character and called the shots as she managed to hold a clear edge against the 25-year-old Sachika and smoothly cruised to an 11-4, 12-10, 7-11 and 11-3 victory at the all-glass courts at the NSCI.
This was Aiswarya’s maiden success in the women’s competition. Earlier, in the semi-finals, Aishwarya had defeated top seed Urwashi Joshi in five games.
All the winners of the different events proudly pose with their trophies during the prize distribution function of the 4th NSCI All India Open (Junior and Senior) Squash Tournament 2019.
Meanwhile, top seed Abhishek Pradhan of Maharashtra as expected won the men’s title when he recorded an authoritative straight games win against compatriot and second seed Abhishek Agarwal in the men’s final.
Pradhan made his intentions clear from the start as he in customary fashion played some exquisite strokes and combined some deceptive and power play he often caught Agarwal on the wrong foot as he asserted his domination. The pony tailed Pradhan was in complete control and charged to a facile 11-4, 11-8, 11-6 victory.
Both Aishwarya and Pradhan were presented with the ‘Champions’ trophies and cash prize of Rs 32,500 each.
Results –
Women (final): Aishwarya Khubchandani (MH) beat 2-Sachika Balvani (MH) 11-4, 12-10, 7-11, 11-3.
Men (final): 1-Abhishek Pradhan (MH) beat 2-Abhishek Agarwal (MH)11-4, 11-8, 11-6.