Parth Doshi — going from strength to strength

During this period Doshi followed Maniam’s advise, entering under-19 events instead of those of his own age groups bereft of competitive value.

Playing older, more experienced players did not prevent Doshi from attaining fourth position in one tourney and sixth in the other which also drew two Australian players seeded third and fourth.

Doshi caught the eye after finishing runners-up in an under-12 Western India event in 1992. A string of runners-up finishes in the under-14 age group followed before Doshi claimed the winner’s spot with a big international triumph the Asian Boys (u-16) Squash Satelite in Singapore 1996.

The success inspired a winning sequence. Doshi tread the winner’s podium at the Nationals in Chennai, the Little Masters at Willington and the Western India at CCI (all under-16) events towards the end of last year.

The streak ended in the Inter-School Maharashtra Open when Doshi had to settle for runners-up spot.

However, he remained among the medals, picking up the bronze in the Asian under-19 team event early this year.

Doshi trained under the renowned Satinder Bajwa , the world renowned coach who guided Pakistani star Jansher Khan for a while. it helped immensely in shaping his game but the teenager also acknowledges the tutelage of Santosh More who constantly guides him at Otters Club where he trains.

Doshi also acknowledges the support from his coaches and parents — Purna and Prakash, doctors both — in looking after his diet, physical fitness and game.

It gives him confidence while he gets ready for the Hong Kong Open to be held in August.