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Dipika Pallikal
~Pallikal
Sep 21' 1991
India
The Exhilarating Story...
In the world of sports, it's often the stories of struggle and perseverance that resonate the most. Dipika Pallikal, India's ace squash player, is one such story of grit, determination, and eventual triumph. Her journey from a young prodigy to an international squash sensation is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the numerous hardships she had to overcome. From a very young age, she displayed an extraordinary talent for sports. She picked up the squash racquet at the tender age of nine, guided by her father, Sanjiv Pallikal, who was a former Indian cricketer and subsequently, her coach and mentor. Dipika's love for the sport and her dedication were evident from the start. However, the road to success was far from smooth. Squash in India was a relatively lesser-known sport, and there were limited resources and facilities available for training. Dipika and her family had to overcome financial constraints and lack of proper infrastructure to help her pursue her dreams. One of the most significant challenges Dipika faced was the lack of international exposure and competition in her early years. To compete on the world stage, she needed to participate in international tournaments, which required significant funding and support. With her family's limited means, she had to be resourceful and persistent in securing sponsorships and financial aid. Additionally, the rigorous training regime demanded immense physical and mental strength. The sport of squash is incredibly physically demanding, and Dipika had to push her limits every day. Her dedication to fitness and training was commendable, and it often meant hours of practice and sacrifices that are not always understood by those outside the world of professional sports. Dipika Pallikal's breakthrough came in 2011 when she won her first WISPA (Women's International Squash Players Association) title, which marked the beginning of her international recognition. She continued to climb the rankings, and in 2014, she reached her career-best ranking of World No. 10. This achievement made her the highest-ranked Indian squash player ever, a testament to her hard work and determination. Dipika Pallikal's journey from a young girl battling financial constraints to becoming a squash champion serves as a source of inspiration for many. She has shown that with passion, hard work, and unwavering determination, one can overcome the most daunting of obstacles. Her story reminds us that success in sports, and in life, is often built on a foundation of resilience and perseverance. Dipika Pallikal's hardships have made her stronger, and her triumphs are a testament to the human spirit's boundless potential.
“
My family and friends are the biggest medals I can ever have!
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Career
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World Squash Federation
- Singles
- Titles Won: 11
- Finalist: 18
- Highest Ranking: 10
Achievements
World Doubles Championships
- Gold Medal: Doubles (2022 Glasgow)
- Gold Medal: Mixed Doubles (2022 Glasgow)
- Silver Medal: Mixed Doubles (2016 Darwin)
- Bronze Medal: Doubles (2016 Darwin)
- Bronze Medal: Doubles (2017 Manchester)
Commonwealth Games
- Gold Medal: Doubles (2014 Glasgow)
- Silver Medal: Doubles (2018 Gold Coast)
- Silver Medal: Mixed Doubles (2018 Gold Coast)
- Bronze Medal: Mixed Doubles (2022 Birmingham)
Asian Games
- Gold Medal: Mixed Doubles (2022 Hangzhou)
- Silver Medal: Team (2014 Incheon)
- Bronze Medal: Team (2010 Guangzhou)
- Bronze Medal: Singles (2014 Incheon)
- Bronze Medal: Singles (2018 Jakarta)
- Bronze Medal: Team (2022 Hangzhou)
Asian Individual Championships
- Silver Medal: Singles (2017 Chennai)