A force to reckon with in the world of Squash!

When Sunayna Kuruvilla first took up the squash racket at the tender age of 9 in 2008, little did she know that the sport would take over her life – and put her on the map as one of India’s most impressive talents-to-watch. At 21, Sunayna is currently ranked No. 68 in the world, and No. 2 in India. She has two consecutive National Squash Championships under her belt, won a Silver at the 2018 Asian Games Team Championship held in Indonesia, and played in the No. 1 position at the 2018 World Women’s Team Championships held in China.

 Sunayna also represented India at the 2015 World Junior Championship and the 2015 Asian Junior Championship. She won a Gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games and a Bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Junior Team Championship.

 

Interview with Sunayna Kuruvilla

What drives you to get up in the morning and go training every day? 

I think it’s important to always remember the WHY. Why you’re doing what you’re doing. I fully enjoy the whole process of the grind and working towards something. 

 

 

What is important to you? ( apart from sports what else do you do, and believe in ? It’s good for people reading this to know that there are other interests too aside from sports)

I enjoy learning and reading up about food and nutrition. It really interests me to know how much what you eat affects how you feel and perform! 

 

 

One word that describes you? 

Diligent. 

 

 

What do you give up to play sports?

I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it like that because it’s been more like I get to do what I love day in and day out but I guess when you start travelling so much, you miss out on a lot of family gatherings which really upsets me. 

 

 

What do you do to calm your butterflies when you compete?

I spend time reading the bible and praying. I also listen to music which helps right before I start my warm up routine and prep for my match. 

 

 

What’s on your playlist right now? (What music genres and which artists do you enjoy listening to before a match?)

Well I enjoy some senseless pop music to be honest cause it’s just light hearted and it’s all about the music and it makes me feel pumped and ready.