‘I’m now the 420th in the world. I went from 654th to 420th. It was a step of 234 places.’

Local sports

By Radha Wimalawansa

Ravindu ups his game at the Bangamata Squash world-rankings tournament 

Ravindu Laksiri, the national squash champion for nine consecutive years, took part in the Bangamata International PSA Tournament held at Bangladesh in March 2022. PSA tournaments enable squash players to up their points and subsequently qualify for international tournaments. The Bangamata Tournament was Ravindu’s very first game played for world rankings, and he emerged victorious, winning the fifth place. This young athlete is a past pupil of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo 07. He’s currently pursuing his higher studies in Human Resources at CIPM while working as an HR Executive at Brandix. 

We at Chokolaate had the chance to sit down with Ravindu for a chat. Excerpts of our interview follows: 

Hi Ravindu! How was the experience at your very first world-rankings tournament?

It was one of a kind. I’ve never played at a world-ranking tournament before. I am very happy to have won fifth place in my first PSA tournament. 

How was the competition at Bangamata?

I played in this competition as an unranked player, but in the first match, I was able to beat the No. 13 seed player in 3-0 sets and then the No. 8 seed player in 3-2 sets. The No. 13 seed player was from India and the No. 8 seed player was from Pakistan. 

What’s your current world ranking?

I’m now the 420th in the world. I went from 654th to 420th. It was a step up of 234 places.

Could you tell us about your national ranking?

I am currently Sri Lanka’s national squash champion. I’ve been able to set a record for being the champion for nine consecutive years from 2013 to 2021. I was also the national junior champion for three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014.

What are some of your past achievements?

I’ve taken part in several international games. In the 21st Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia, I was placed 17th.  In 2016, I won the bronze medal for the men’s team event at the South Asian Games in India, and in 2019, I won the bronze again in the same category in Nepal. I’ve also won the men’s plate event at the 18th Asian Individual Squash Championship, and became the 5th in the Second Asian Youth Games in China.

When did you start playing squash?

I started squash in 2004. My brother was the first to start playing. I grew up watching him play. Initially, I played both badminton and squash for about two years, then I selected squash because I wanted to work on just one sport.

What do you think about squash in Sri Lanka?

It’s not the most popular in Sri Lanka; squash is still progressing as a sport here. There have been a lot of talented squash players, but they didn’t really have the opportunities to go to the international arena. However, there’s a difference now. I see doors opening gradually. I want to make it to the international tournaments, which will help the juniors after me reach that milestone as well. 

Who’s your favourite squash player?

Mohamed Elshorbagy. He is currently the 3rd in the world.  He was ranked world’s No. 1 in 2014. 

I like him because of his skills, discipline, and commitment. 

How’s training these days?

I’m currently training for several international games. I have the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Senior Team Championship and four world-ranking tournaments coming up. 

What challenges have you faced as a sportsman?

The biggest challenge is the lack of exposure to international games and training opportunities. We also lack proper infrastructure and facilities. The Sri Lanka Squash Federation and Brandix are currently making a huge contribution towards improving this situation. 

What do you look forward to in the future?

I’d like to become one of the top 50 players in terms of world rankings, and I am also hoping to win medals at the Commonwealth and Asian games. I’m thankful to all the people who’ve supported me so far – my parents, coaches, Brandix, the SSC Sports Club, and the Sri Lanka Squash Federation. With their help in future, I am hoping to achieve more.