Team India to play at world Racquetball championships

The Sudo Electric Technical High School in Seoul, Korea, is abuzz with activities as it plays host to the 2010 World Racquetball Championships. For the next ten days the Korean capital will see a confluence of cultures as nearly 150 players from across the globe representing nearly 35 countries take part in the championships.

The amateur Racquetball Federation of India (ARFI) has sent a three member contingent to represent the country at the event, and is optimistic about their chances. Though Racquetball is in its infancy in India, the ARFI hope that with credible performances at such international events, the popularity of the sport in the country will pick up.

"We want to finish in the top half of the bracket in the team event. We are going to be up against the very best racquetball players in the world, the US, Mexico and Canada all have the world's top professional players but we are going to give our very best in every match" says a highly enthusiastic and determined team captain,Sathwik Rai, who will be taking part in the singles and doubles event.

With racquetball being a very quick paced sport, communication and co-ordination between the players is essential especially in the doubles event. "We are one of the few teams who have not played with each other for very long but we have developed a great understanding and bond. This will be put the test especially when we face teams that have been playing together for years" says a realistic Raaj Mohan, who will participate in the Singles event.

Srikaran, the third member of the team plays with his heart on his sleeve, adding "I feel that we have been successful so far and it will be a work in progress. We will try to make the best of the occasion and perform at the highest level so that we can make the nation proud".