Dubai: Maanav Mandhian will be missing school for at least one week early next month.
But the Emirates International School student really doesn’t mind, simply because he has set his sights on gaining some vital experience as he pursues a path of being among the best squash players in the world.
Mandhian — currently being trained by UAE national squash coach Abbas Khan — is all set to depart for a couple of junior international tournaments scheduled in the first half of September in Mumbai. First up is the Ninth Bombay Gymkhana Indian Junior Squash Open from September 2 to 6 followed by the NSCI Classic India Junior Squash Open from September 7 to 11.
Both competitions are open to juniors from across India and abroad in five age categories starting from the under-11s and going up to the under-19s in which Mandhian will be participating this year. But participating in the tournaments means the promising squash player won’t be able to attend the first week of school that reopens on September 5.
However, he is not too worried.
“Both tournaments will be a huge challenge for me personally as some of the best players are involved this time. I have put in a lot of hard work since the past few months and that will definitely come in handy over the next couple of weeks,” Mandhian told Gulf News before his departure.
The Dubai teen will open against unseeded Kunal Singh on September 2, and should he win, face fourth seed Vikas Mehra in the second round of the 64-player draw. Organised by the Mumbai-based Squash Rackets Federation of India, the first tournament has the Hong Kong duo of Chan Chi Ho and Ho Ka Hei as the top two seeds.
“The greater challenge for me will be in the first tournament simply because there are so many top international players in the draw,” Mandhian reflected.
“This is my second time in this competition, but last year I featured in the under-17 category. One year is a long time and I think I have moved up a step and it will be satisfying to see how I have improved,” he added.
Earlier in April, Mandhian won the under-19 category at the Al Nasr Leisureland-organised Dubai Open Squash. “That win gave me a belief that I can compete at a higher level,” he said.
“My goals will always be to continue improving my game. Playing against some of the best players from around India and Asia will help me take my play to a higher level, and that can help me further in improving my game,” Mandhian added.
