In squash - The Podcast

2018/2019 has been a campaign of new heights for Saurav Ghosal. Saurav became the first-ever Indian male to win the Asian Championships a few short weeks ago, and in April he reached the world's top 10 for the first time. Saurav explains that it took a certain wherewithal and perseverance to get there though, and his explanation of this journey is awesome. His relationship with Malcom Willstrop is obviously a huge reason behind this success, as are the recent tweaks under the guidance of David Palmer. Saurav and I talk about this and many other aspects related to his journey to the PSA top 10. Also, you don't want to miss his stirring tribute to Ramy Ashour.

Since 1976, Andrew Shelley has been laying the groundwork for developing the game of squash, and he took this skill set to the highest level in 2010 when he became WSF CEO. His list of accomplishments in terms of what he's done to grow our great game are too long to mention here. He leaves his WSF post in June, and it was great to speak with Andrew about his squash experience to date, what he accomplished in his SRA, WISPA and WSF roles, and he even shared a few great anecdotes in doing so.

Two time US National Champion, proud New Yorker, and current world #68 Chris Hanson graced the podcast with his presence on Episode 83. He lit up the TOC this year with a great first round win followed by a near upset of world #16 Omar Mosad. Currently with Rodney Martin in his corner, and Rodney Eyles and John Power Sr previously, there's good reason to believe that results like this are bound to come more consistently. First things first though, the US are looking to bring the Pan Am Games squash team gold back home this summer.

For squash players who grew up playing the game in the 80s, we grew up idolizing Jahangir Khan, and synonymous with Jahangir was his iconic coach Rahmat Khan. Rahmat helped guide Jahangir to a record 10 British Open titles, and the backstory behind their success is one we can all learn from. Rahmat describes the challenges Jahangir had early on following the death of his brother Torsem, and how this ultimately laid the groundwork for the unwavering discipline, focus and professionalism that characterized the Jahangir/Rahmat partnership throughout the years. Rahmat talks of the Jansher v. Jahangir rivalry,JK's highly successful foray into the North American hardball scene, how JK managed to remain injury free through all those years, the current state of squash in Pakistan, and his take on the current era of squash.

Squash renaissance man Richard Millman is fighting the good fight, and always has been. Richard emerged in the US several years back and has embarked on an incredible squash journey that currently has him as the teaching pro at a squash club in Chattanooga, Tennessee, not exactly a squash hotbed which is why Richard is there. Richard is an outlier, always pushing the envelope, and through all of the initiatives, insights, and an incredible backstory you will definitely see why.

Tribute to Andy Bunting by Neil Harvey

2019 Bermuda Open champion and friend of the podcast Nick Sachvie joined me for his "3rd" visit, and there was lots to talk about. Nick is fresh off a few good wins after some up and down results earlier in the season, and we look at how this all played out. Over the next few months Nick has plenty to play for, including a shot at his 2nd Canadian National title and the potential of a Pan Am Games border skirmish with the US this summer. We also take the opportunity to talk about our mutual love for MMA, and in doing so we discuss what the PSA does in terms of policing PEDs in our sport. Great chat with Nick!!

2 time British National Champion and current world number 10, Tesni Evans is one of the reasons why the women's game has become must-watch squash these days. Tesni describes her season to date, how it felt regaining the British National Championship and becoming the first Welsh player (male or female) to win the Brit Nationals. We also talk about the Empower Squash Foundation and the first season in the PSL for the Welsh Wizards.

Grasshopper Cup 2019 is upon us and event organizer Steve Buchli has put together another fantastic event.

Miguel Rodriquez's incredible 2018 British Open run was unquestionably the story of the 2018 squash year. Behind that win there was blood, sweat, tears and plenty between the ears. Between the ears is where Maxim P. Weithers came into the picture, close to 10 years ago in fact. Maxim tells us how this all evolved and provides some great insight into mental techniques that helped to pave the way to Miguel's stunning British Open victory. Maxim also has his own squash story which we get into, including his relationship with Jahangir and Rahmat Khan, and I also get his thoughts on olympic bid.