Dipika Pallikal

2001 was a turning point in my sporting career. It saw me leaving behind a rich legacy which I would have probably inherited if I had stuck on to the plush tennis courts and walking into a four walled glass court to play a game called ‘Squash’. Walking hand in hand with a school friend at the age of 9, I met my coach, cyrus sir, who with all his experience and patience has made me what I am today. I am proud to say that Cyrus sir was awarded the most highest honor any coach can receive in India-he is the recipient of the Dhronacharya Award 2005.

I had no looking back once I entered the squash courts. I had so much to look forward to – smart new clothes, good shoes, my long hair neatly tied (because I was learning Indian Classical dance too, which I later gave up) and most of all beating boys in the 9 point practice games. So I never missed even a single practice session and I think the glamour and the handsome boys just motivated me to play on!

I got membership to the India Cements Squash Academy in 2002 with the help of my parents and today I am happy that I have not let them down. I became the National Champion at the age of 11 and from then I knew squash was my game. A great deal had to be sacrificed – no sweets, no chocolates, no getting up late but ha ha I had my way most of the time. Being the youngest in the family, my parents did pamper me a lot – I don’t remember what I haven’t got in life !!! I remember my mom praying a lot and telling me that “if god be with us, who can be against”. I believe and trust in God and know that with his help I can go places. He has always been a great part in my victories and has always brought me out of troubled waters.

Along with my squash career, I also do a bit of commercials and endorse a few products. This just goes hand in hand in any successful sportsperson’s career, to me it boosts my confidence level but I know that too much of anything is not good and my mum is a great controller of my life. My parents, sisters and grandparents have played a great role in my success. They have all been sportspersons in their times, my grandmother represented kerala state in Athletics, my grandfather represented 3 states in Basketball, my father played cricket for his college and my mother represented India in cricket. Ha ha, probably that’s why my father fell for her!. My sisters – pretty Diya plays Basketball and studious Divya is just too goody goody for me. They all make so much of room for stubborn me !!!

I have traveled the world playing squash. My passport grows leaps and bounds – me exposed too much too soon – that’s what my mum keeps saying. My grandparents are not quite too happy but love my games and encourage me all the way. My father is a great person. I always tell my mom I have got my fine qualities from him and then my mom says if you have any, that is!!!!

Last but not the least, I salute my parents and grandparents because bringing up a child like me needs so much. I probably have to give them an award – still thinking what to call it!