It is far more stressful to coach than to play, says Joshna Chinappa

Joshna Chinappa reflects on coaching challenges and praises young Indian squash players for their promising future in the sport.

Joshna Chinappa, who last played a PSA event in November last year, said that it was “tough” playing after a gap of four months, especially since she faced a strong player in Tanvi Khanna in the second round of the SRFI Indian Tour Squash Championship here on Tuesday.

Joshna acknowledged that it was a tight contest and felt “relieved” and “happy” to have won the match 3-2.

In the meantime, the 38-year-old had her first coaching gig last December. She got to be the coach of the Indian women’s team for the World Squash Team Championships in Hong Kong. She expressed her desire to help and inspire young players by leveraging her long experience in the sport once she’s done playing.

But she added that “it is far more stressful to coach” than to play.

“As a player, you only think of yourself - what you need to do, your warm-up, and all of that. And then, of course, there is pressure to play. But you still have your team. You have support.

“But as a coach, you really want them to get over the finish line. And it’s being there for them. In the world teams, you’re playing three matches (in a tie). So, you have to be there for all the matches. It’s just a long drawn-out process because when I play as a player, I will finish my match and go home. But as a coach, you have to watch all your players play. And you have to really be present. So, I find it tougher. And in the crunch moments, it can be very stressful to watch your player!”

Talking about promising young Indian players, she had a special mention for Anahat Singh, Akanksha Salunkhe, Shameena Riaz and Rathika Seelan.