Squash talent there in India, but still long way to go: Peter Nicol

Mumbai, May 29 (UNI) Former squash world number one Peter Nicol, who began a three-day coaching clinic here today, said there was no dearth of talent in India, but its players would take some more time to reach the top in international stage.

The Aberdeen-born Scot, world open champion in 1999, has joined the Mumbai-based World Squash Academy (WSA) as its head coach and founder member, it was announced by its director Amar Haksar at a media conference here.

Mr Nicol said his goal in India would be to lift the physically demanding sport in this country to greater heights.

Mr Haskar further said, ''I have joined hands with Peter to form WSA in an effort to promote the game nationally and internationally by creating development programmes for those interested in playing competitive and/or recreational squash.

''We teach the beginners the fundamentals, while the advanced group are trained how to cope at the competitive level, sparring with one another and match play. We also emphasise on fitness,'' he said.

Nicol, who defeated squash legend Jansher Khan of Pakistan to win the Mahindra Open here in 1997 and was the world number one for five years, will visit India on two or more occasions each year to conduct specialised and intense clinics for the WSA's competitive players.

The academy's programme is supported by top Indian players like Mahesh Mangaonkar, Raghav Mehrotra and Vikas Jhangra, according to Haksar.

UNI