In Conversation with Mehek Anand, Squash Captain of Ashoka University
In this interview, Mehek Anand, the Squash Captain at Ashoka University, shares her inspiring journey in sports, her growth through leadership, and her aspirations for the team and the sport itself.
Could you tell us about your journey in sports?
There is nothing more thrilling than sport for me. The initial adrenaline rush in my pounding heart, the flame of competitiveness sparked within me, and the rewarding cooldown that brings a palpable sense of self-growth. The feeling is addictive and it pushes me to dabble in every new sport I have access to.
I’ve engaged in sports like squash, badminton, table tennis, football, basketball, swimming, tennis, roller skating, hockey, and cycling – basically all the major sports there are (with the first half a dozen played more seriously and frequently). After trying my hand at all these, I found my haven in squash and took it up competitively, playing in an All-India association (SRFI). Joining a training academy instilled discipline, regimen, sportsmanship, fieriness in my game. Playing tournaments both individually and in a team taught me about leadership and the importance of keeping composure. Around the time of the pandemic, I was in the top 20 rank across India in girls in my age category.
How has participating in sports at Ashoka contributed to your personal growth?
Sports at Ashoka has been a major avenue for me to create camaraderie and friendship across batches. The culture is very open and inviting to all kinds of players, regardless of skill level. I love seeing new squash players struggle and then find their footing on the court, and I especially love playing a part in helping them improve. Conversely, in sports like football or table tennis, I enjoy feeling vulnerable, letting down my guard, and letting superior players guide me. Nothing feels better than a challenge and pushing myself toward development.
What does leadership in sports mean to you, and how do you approach fostering teamwork among your players?
It’s an extremely fulfilling and gratifying feeling to be able to lead a sports team. A major issue is the lack of confidence girls feel while playing squash, and I believe practicing with drills that target their problem areas will lead to an improvement. I wish to inculcate more discipline and routine in training sessions—by combining games, drills, and fitness sessions. Morale of the team must also be kept high, and player bonding is crucial, so I wish to bring a feeling of sisterhood and community through quality time spent off-court too.
What are your future goals for yourself and your team at Ashoka?
My goal is to see a marked difference in the quality of women’s squash at Ashoka and to make the sport more exciting and attractive to the student body. Each event and game should be so thrilling that passersby would unknowingly stop in their tracks and watch the rally. I also wish to bring home more trophies to add to the collection on the MPH shelves.