At just 18 years old, Shaurya, a student at Columbia University, has achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of squash. Recently awarded Rs. 5,00,000, he became only the second Indian boy to win a World Championship junior medal, following Kush Kumar’s achievement in 2014. This accomplishment has not only brought pride to his family but also to the entire Indian squash community.
“It is a dream come true for Shaurya and all of us at the Squash Xtreme Academy,” said Dhruv, Shaurya’s coach. “He has been training with me since he was nine years old. We always aimed to develop a world-class player with a carefully designed process and plan at home. It is gratifying to see that we achieved this goal.”
Dhruv expressed his delight at Shaurya’s success, noting its potential to inspire the Indian squash community. “We are thrilled with Shaurya’s achievement. This will inspire the Indian squash community to believe in and produce more champions on the global stage,” he remarked.
Preparing for the World Championship required intense effort from Shaurya. “Shaurya had to undergo rigorous training sessions to get ready for the World Championship. We had limited time after his return from Columbia before the championship, and he also had to go through the selection trials, which he won,” Dhruv recalled.
Shaurya’s training regimen was intense, involving approximately six hours of daily practice focusing on technical, tactical aspects, and fitness. “At our academy, we have another very talented player, Yusha Nafees, who also qualified for the World Junior Championship. Training together was extremely beneficial for both of them,” Dhruv added.
Looking ahead, Dhruv believes Shaurya has the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage. “With this medal, Shaurya has shown that he has the potential to be one of the biggest contenders for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, if given the right support,” he said.
For now, Shaurya will continue his training in Delhi for another month before returning to Columbia University to continue his studies and compete for the university team. His journey is just beginning, and his achievements are already setting the stage for a promising future in squash.
