Injured Saurav Ghosal Pulls Out of Asian Championship Squash

Indian men's squash team suffered a big jolt today with spearhead Saurav Ghosal withdrawing from the Asian team championship, scheduled to be held in Chinese Taipei from May 11-15, with an ankle injury.

Ghosal had sustained an ankle injury at the British Open last month.

A persistent pain in his right foot area had made Ghosal take an MRI scan on medical advice and the results showed a "deterioration in the cartilege".

The procedures that he had been advised would put him off play for about four to five weeks, otherwise there is a danger that he permanently damages his foot.

The Squash Rackets Federation of India, taking into account the seriousness of Ghosal's injury, which if not treated could turn career-threatening, accepted his withdrawal from the tournament.

The Federation has named promising youngster Velavan Senthilkumar in his place.

He is the second new face in the team after Vijaykumar Meena, who was drafted in place of Mahesh Mangaonkar.

Mangaonkar withdrew, preferring to play in PSA events and improve his rankings.

Velavan, the U-19 national champion, was double medallist in last year's Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

The women's team, meanwhile, will be represented by all the top players, including Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal -- both top-20 world ranked.

Teams:

Men: Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu, Kush Kumar, Vijaykumar Meena, Velavan Senthilkumar.

Women: Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pallikal, Sachika Ingale, Akanksha Salunkhe.