It Is Nice to Come Out of It All

"The only regret, I must say, is our inability to take squash to the Olympics. THAT WAS A BIG MINUS. We did our best and everybody knows that. But looking back, there is the satisfaction that we could get squash into the shortlist,” says N. Ramachandran, the former president of the World Squash Federation, in a chat with S. R. SURYANARAYAN.

- S.R. Suryanarayanan

“A big relief,”said N. Rama-chandran,who was in a relaxed mood in his corporate office in Chennai, about the end of his tenure as president of the World Squash Federation. The first Indian to head the world body, Ramachandran’s term was marked by highs and lows. However, overall, he felt that he had done his job capably and as best as he could.

Ramachandran was disappointed that he could not get squash into the Olympics but was satisfied that the sport had earned greater visibility during his tenure.

A veteran sports administrator, who has completed nearly two decades in international squash (he was earlier the president of the Asian Squash Federation), Ramachandran wants to devote his time to Indian squash. “My passion for the sport will never stop,” he said while speaking to Sportstar.

Excerpts:

Question: How do you feel after laying down office as president of the World Squash Federation?

Answer: A big sense of relief, indeed. My travelling has come down; the hectic schedules have ended. For the last eight years, it was quite challenging wearing two hats at the same time — you know the WSF and the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) — and protecting their interests. It was not easy. Overall, I was in international squash for two decades and it is nice to come out of it all.

Any unfinished work?