It was Tamil Nadu all the way in the squash competition of the ongoing National Games with five of the eight medals on offer going to the southern state's kitty here today.
The seasoned duo of Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa expectedly fetched gold by beating rivals from the same state. Ghosal grabbed gold by beating Harinder Pal Sandhu 3-1 while Chinappa claimed the yellow metal after defeating Lakshya Raghavendra 3-0.
Though Sandhu grabbed the first game 11-4 and gave a tough fight to Ghosal throughout, he had to settle for silver as the latter roared back in the in the next three games.
Meanwhile, it was comparatively easier for Chinappa as she won in straight games.
Chinappa later said that squash should be made an Olympic sport and she was eager to be an Olympian.
"Squash really deserves to be included in Olympics. Like all other athletes I also eagerly want to be an Olympian. I hope that my dream will be fulfilled soon," she told PTI.
The Commonwealth and Asian Games medalist also said that the competition was high in the finals though all the players were representing the same state.
""We all know each other for quite a long time. We have also participated together in many national and international events. But, that does not mean that the spirit of competition and eagerness for victory was lacking. While playing a game, the eagerness for victory will be on mind more than anything," Chinappa added.
Squash was first introduced in the 2011 National Games held in Jharkhand. Tamil Nadu swept major medals in the introductory Games also.
