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Mehar Trehan and Sanjana Nallapati added the girls’ under-19 doubles gold medal to their individual silver and bronze medals, respectively, after victory over Barbados at the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, at the South Sound Squash Club in the Cayman Islands on Wednesday.
The Jamaican pair defeated the Barbadian duo, Sarrayah Yearwood and Olivia Watts, 11-7, 11-6, and are now responsible for all of Jamaica’s three medals at the championship.
After the victory, the pair credited the success to their chemistry.
Captain and individual bronze medal winner Sanjana Nallapati said their ability to work with each other was the key.
“I think chemistry is so important in doubles and it ultimately helps you win. I think that was a large factor in our victory. We were able to keep each other focused and motivated.
“Doubles is quite different to singles in squash. So to be able to figure out what to do in a match, the game plan to have and to have your teammate on board with you, is something very special.”
With a different partner by her side this year, Trehan, who won the tie last year, also emphasised the importance of their chemistry.
“I played doubles last year and won as well. It’s an incredible feeling knowing I did it again. Even though my partner has changed, it shows our team has amazing chemistry to work under pressure.”
Both players were also extremely proud to give Jamaica their first gold at the championships.
“Doubles is super fun, yet competitive and intense game. It is super competitive because the skill levels are very similar. But it makes me super proud to win a gold for Jamaica,” Trehan said.
It was the same for Nallapati, who was winning her first doubles gold.
“It’s a great experience to win gold for your country. It was fun and a well-deserved experience.
“Individually, we were both high level players at this tournament, so to put together this win against other players at the tournament really meant something and showed what we are capable of,” she commented.
Jamaica Squash president Karen Anderson said the youngsters have done Jamaica proud and pointed to their friendship as a key part of their chemistry with each other.
“I’m extremely proud of how the kids have played. Mehar Trehan captured the silver medal after a hard-fought match against the eventual winner Eboni Atherley and Sanjana captured the bronze in girls’ under-19.
“They’ve played with heart, desire, and never gave up, and they carried that momentum through to doubles and team events.
“So I am extremely proud of the girls. We were defending champions and it was important for us to go out and defend that title.
“The rest of the team has played above their pay grade and it’s been good to see them enjoying the experience, but at the same time watching and learning from more experienced players,” Anderson stated.
English (US) ·