PANJIM: Yash Fadte from Vasco earned a silver medal in his debut for India in 21st Asian Junior Individual Squash championship held in Kish Island, Iran.
Second seed Yash, went down fighting to compatriot and arch rival Veer Chotrani 11-9, 10-12, 8-11, 9-11 in a thrilling 51 minute under-13 final.
The competition was held for boys’ and girls’ under-13, 15, 17 and 19 under the aegis of the Asian Squash Federation.
After snatching a 1-0 lead, Fadte, a product of St. Joseph’s Institute, Vasco was serving for the second set before he lost it over extra points in a nail-biting finish. The next two sets also ended in tight finishes as Mumbai lad and top seed Chotrani helped himself to the gold with a hard-fought victory.
“It could have been anybody’s title,” said Fadte.
“It was a very close match, as the scores suggest. Though I am disappointed with the defeat.”
Fadte will next take part in the Pioneer Junior Cup in Germany, which will be held from July 3 to 7, followed by the Dutch Open from July 9 to 13, NSCI Junior Open in Mumbai from July 19 to 23 and Hong Kong Junior Open from July 29 to August 3.
