‘Will repay faith’: Veteran India squash player Saurav Ghosal reacts to Sportsperson of the Year award

Saurav Ghosal reacted to being adjudged as Sportsperson of the Year by the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club, and also said that he would repay the faith by winning more medals. He became the first Indian squash player to win a singles medal at CWG 2022.

Published on: Nov 10, 2022, 10:13:19 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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Ace squash player Saurav Ghosal became the first Indian to win a singles medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG 2022) this year when he defeated England's James Willstrop for bronze in Birmingham. Ghosal had to rely on his experience to seal an 11-6, 11-1, 11-4 win against the former world no. 1. Also before CWG 2022, he bagged his maiden gold medal at the World Doubles Championships in Glasgow, with Dipika Pallikal. To add the icing on the cake, he also was adjudged as the Sportsperson of the Year at the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club awards recently.

India's Saurav Ghosal flashes the victory sign during CWG 2022. (PTI)

Reacting to the honour received from the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club awards, he said, "I think it's a real honour to get an award from the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club. They follow us closely and I am happy that they find me worthy enough to be bestowed with the award. Hopefully, I will continue to repay the faith by getting more medals for India."

Also Read | Ghosal, Tandon inspire India to first-ever gold at Asian Team Squash

In Birmingham, Ghosal lost in the semi-final to New Zealand's Paul Coll, to set up a clash with his English opponent. Ahead of the bronze medal playoff, he had faced Willstrop nine times, but won only once. During the playoff, Ghosal dragged Willstrop into long rallies, using the Englishman's fatigue to his advantage and also was much better with his defensive display.

Ghosal was also in fantastic form during the Asian Squash Team Championships, where he led the Indian men's team to a gold medal. India defeated Kuwait 2-0 in the final, with Ghosal securing the victory with an 11-9, 11-2, win against Ammar Altamimi. Ghosal is currently in New Zealand, participating in two PSA tournaments scheduled from November 8-13 and then he will travel for his final tournament this year in Singapore, scheduled from November 15-20.

"I am playing 2 PSA tournaments in New Zealand, from November 8th to 13th, and Singapore, from November 15th to 20th, so that’s my plan for the year", he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More