Dipika ignored for Asian squash event

MUMBAI: In what could be termed a shocking omission, Dipika Pallikal has been left out of the Indian squad for the Asian Squash Championship, to be held in Kuwait from February 12.

The India women’s number two, who recently won the British Open junior title, is the only notable absentee from the list announced by the Squash Rackets Federation of India. “Dipika was left out because she didn’t attend last month’s selection trials,” said an SRFI official, who didn’t want to be named.

“But if that’s the case, what about some other members of the team, who too didn’t attend the selection trials, but have been named in the squad?” asked a source close to Dipika’s family. She, however, refused to name the other players who did not make it to the trials.

Dipika, who is currently training in Cairo, was shocked to hear the news. “Why me?” she asked, anguish palpable in her voice. “I have just won the British Open, is that not enough to prove my credentials?”

Ritwik Bhattacharya, the country’s number one player in the men’s section,  was surprised. “That’s strange. She deserved to be in the team. She is one of the best in the country today. I am indeed surprised,” said Ritwik.