Wimbledon- The Grass is not all that green!!!
If you ask any player, they will have fond memories of their wins in tournaments even if it is in some obscure village. My thoughts on Wimbledon may be a bit muddled because I never had great results there. However,I just want to lay down some facts you may have never heard about Wimbledon.
I have played Wimbeldon twice as a junior,5 -6 years in womens’s event both as a qualifier and as a main draw player and later on as part of the media when I was a commentator.
As a junior, I was overawed by the entire club, its facilities, its traditions and of course watching some of my heroes up close and personal. I was in the salon once with shampoo all over my hair when Pete Sampras came in for a haircut. I pleaded with my stylist to please remove all that mess from my hair, so I didn’t look like a clown!!
Then came my years as a qualifier. For those who don’t know what that means, qualifiers are those who don’t have a direct entry into the main draw of Wimbledon.Main draw is usually the top 108 players as per ranking and the next 100 or so players will need to qualify through 3 rounds to gain an entry into the main draw.
Wimbledon’s qualifying rounds are not held in The All England Club. They are held in the Police Grounds at Roehampton which are a few miles away. Qualifiers who lose at Roehampton never even got to see Wimbledon even though they were actually playing the same tournament.
I also definitely need to take a dig at the hierarchical way they divided up the locker rooms. In no other Grand Slam was a locker room divided up by the top 8 seeds, followed by the next rung of seeds and so on. The All England club definitely didn’t care about being politically correct, that’s for sure!!
Wimbledon was in lot of scrutiny and finally became the last Grand Slam to offered equal prize money for men and women in 2007. US Open offered equal prize money starting in 1973!!!
I forget the year when this incident happened. I had lost in the final round of qualifying and had gone to Wimbledon to collect my prize money. The treasurer gave my check and said the official transport desk would take me to the bank up hill. My bags were ready and I lugged them on to the transport desk. When I went there, the liason looked at my badge that said qualifier and said” sorry – but we don’t provide transport for qualifiers”. I explained to him the treasurer told me so and the bank was just a mile away, but he said”Rules are rules,Maam”. I was pondering how I was going to carry my bags uphill to the bank when a bodyguard of Goran Ivanisevic barged in. He told the liason that he needed to go to central London. I knew that as per RULES that a coach,bodyguard or spouse could never get official transport on their own and had to be travelling with the player. Goran wasn’t there. But the same liason scurried and said"Yes sir-yes sir,right away,Sir.This way-sir”. I thought to myself “ what the hell””?? I can say that it was one of the lowest moments of my life.
I played in the main draw a few years later. All the wonderful treatment including free musical tickets, transport to wherever I wanted to go, didn’t flinch me one bit. My perspective was intact.
Even as a commentator which was the by the way, the best experience of Wimbledon overall, I took it always with a pinch of salt.
It was also here that I had a mini-tiff with Steffi Graf on the practice courts. She is the greatest woman player of all time, in my opinion. But that is for another day…….
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Chinese Tennis System Vs Indian Tennis System Published Times of India June 11th.
It was the summer of 2002.I had just moved to California after my marriage. I got a call from a friend to practice with the Chinese tennis team that was in California for a short break. I had played against the girls many times in recent matches and so I went along to practice. There were about 7 to 8 girls including Jie Zheng, Li Ting and a few others ranked in the 300s to 400s on the WTA tour.
The Chinese team was in US for 3 months to play the US circuit and was travelling with 2 coaches. After about 3 hours of intense hitting, we all took a break and the Coach told me “We are preparing for the Olympics”. I assumed it was for Athens Olympics in 2004, but he quietly said “No-we are practicing for Beijing”. I looked at him incredulously and thought this man had gone mad!!
Our Indian National teams are announced a couple of weeks prior to an event and usually there is a small camp leading up to it. I had never heard of a country planning and practicing for an event 6 years in advance. Hell, even a year ahead, was like eons from where I came from!!
In 2004, just 2 years later, two of the girls I practiced with that day won the Gold Medal at Athens Olympics. Li Ting and her partner Sun TianTian created history and totally transformed the face of women’s tennis in China and achieved their goals much earlier than expected. After that gold, more money was poured into structured programs for grass root level tennis and for talented juniors .China has now nearly 30,000 tennis courts and an estimated 14 million people regularly play tennis.
Li Na popularized it more by entering into the top 20 in the World and being a serious contender for Grand Slam titles. With Li Na’s recent French Open title, tennis will assume more importance. It is already the 3rd most popular sport in China.
I was in China twice last year, first time to play some tournaments as a warm-up before the CWG and next for the Asian Games in Guangzhou. In the ITF events I played, I was the only foreigner in a qualifying draw of 64 entries. The level of tennis in that $10,000 Women’s event was higher than some of the $50,000 challenger tournaments in India. All the Chinese players travelled from various provinces as a team with a coach. There are so many advantages when travelling as a team as there are good practice partners, a coach to oversee the training and matches, security, cost effectiveness amongst many other factors. I have often wished for that when I travelled alone in Europe as an 18 yr old from one tournament to the next.
China has taken goal setting, planning and execution to a whole new level. It is obviously pure magic when all the elements in this equation like players, coaches, parents, tennis federation and Government are single-mindedly working towards a common goal. I am also sure that are some pitfalls and challenges that are associated with such a strict regime, but they seem to be able to overcome these quite effectively.
India has a long way to go to come close to China’s progress in tennis. When I first turned pro, everything I did was by trial and error starting from entering tournaments to choosing the right tournament to securing my own visas to buying my air tickets. We never had more than one pro tournament in India and due to this, I had to base myself in Europe, away from my family for 2 years.
I know as a junior, Sania’s parents have sacrificed a lot to give her the best possible training and opportunities. After her junior Wimbledon doubles title, she may have gotten more sponsorships, but in terms of training and practice, she has had to do it alone. In my opinion, she would have benefitted most if she were part of a team of girls when she had just transitioned to the Women’s tour. It’s always easier and more fun to do physical fitness like gym work, pliometrics, quickness drills, stamina and weight training when it’s done in a group. It’s also proven from the Chinese that when a competitive group practices with a systematic approach, miracles happen. Years ago, I was the only woman from India going from week to week on the pro tour and now a decade later, Sania is the only woman going places there.
In India, we have never had a proper structure to identify, guide and nurture youngsters in a completely professional environment with everyone working together towards one goal. There are some academies that are quite professional, but they work independently of the AITA or the Sports Ministry. It would also be great to see more sport persons involved in this entire process. But first and foremost, we need to accept the fact that big changes are needed. Only then can things fall into place.
The Chinese team was in US for 3 months to play the US circuit and was travelling with 2 coaches. After about 3 hours of intense hitting, we all took a break and the Coach told me “We are preparing for the Olympics”. I assumed it was for Athens Olympics in 2004, but he quietly said “No-we are practicing for Beijing”. I looked at him incredulously and thought this man had gone mad!!
Our Indian National teams are announced a couple of weeks prior to an event and usually there is a small camp leading up to it. I had never heard of a country planning and practicing for an event 6 years in advance. Hell, even a year ahead, was like eons from where I came from!!
In 2004, just 2 years later, two of the girls I practiced with that day won the Gold Medal at Athens Olympics. Li Ting and her partner Sun TianTian created history and totally transformed the face of women’s tennis in China and achieved their goals much earlier than expected. After that gold, more money was poured into structured programs for grass root level tennis and for talented juniors .China has now nearly 30,000 tennis courts and an estimated 14 million people regularly play tennis.
Li Na popularized it more by entering into the top 20 in the World and being a serious contender for Grand Slam titles. With Li Na’s recent French Open title, tennis will assume more importance. It is already the 3rd most popular sport in China.
I was in China twice last year, first time to play some tournaments as a warm-up before the CWG and next for the Asian Games in Guangzhou. In the ITF events I played, I was the only foreigner in a qualifying draw of 64 entries. The level of tennis in that $10,000 Women’s event was higher than some of the $50,000 challenger tournaments in India. All the Chinese players travelled from various provinces as a team with a coach. There are so many advantages when travelling as a team as there are good practice partners, a coach to oversee the training and matches, security, cost effectiveness amongst many other factors. I have often wished for that when I travelled alone in Europe as an 18 yr old from one tournament to the next.
China has taken goal setting, planning and execution to a whole new level. It is obviously pure magic when all the elements in this equation like players, coaches, parents, tennis federation and Government are single-mindedly working towards a common goal. I am also sure that are some pitfalls and challenges that are associated with such a strict regime, but they seem to be able to overcome these quite effectively.
India has a long way to go to come close to China’s progress in tennis. When I first turned pro, everything I did was by trial and error starting from entering tournaments to choosing the right tournament to securing my own visas to buying my air tickets. We never had more than one pro tournament in India and due to this, I had to base myself in Europe, away from my family for 2 years.
I know as a junior, Sania’s parents have sacrificed a lot to give her the best possible training and opportunities. After her junior Wimbledon doubles title, she may have gotten more sponsorships, but in terms of training and practice, she has had to do it alone. In my opinion, she would have benefitted most if she were part of a team of girls when she had just transitioned to the Women’s tour. It’s always easier and more fun to do physical fitness like gym work, pliometrics, quickness drills, stamina and weight training when it’s done in a group. It’s also proven from the Chinese that when a competitive group practices with a systematic approach, miracles happen. Years ago, I was the only woman from India going from week to week on the pro tour and now a decade later, Sania is the only woman going places there.
In India, we have never had a proper structure to identify, guide and nurture youngsters in a completely professional environment with everyone working together towards one goal. There are some academies that are quite professional, but they work independently of the AITA or the Sports Ministry. It would also be great to see more sport persons involved in this entire process. But first and foremost, we need to accept the fact that big changes are needed. Only then can things fall into place.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
My column on Sania published on 4/16 in DNA-Mumbai newspaper
Jet-setting across the globe in pursuit of Grand Slams is a dream unique in itself. But trying to balance a marriage and excel on the WTA tour is a challenge by no means. In India, very few women have attempted breaking traditions by pursuing their sporting careers even after marriage, but their careers have never taken off. Sania Mirza might once again prove to be the path breaker.
On the WTA tour, many women have dared to scale new heights after marriage. Kim Clijsters has obviously taken it to the next level by winning Grand Slam titles even after having a baby. As a married woman, Liezel Huber rose to no1 in the World in doubles and still continues to be a force on the tour. But it will be more challenging for Sania because she has cultural and traditional issues to deal with, in pursuing this. Having said that, I know Sania handles pressure much better than anyone I have seen.
Sania’s marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik can be the best for her tennis, in my opinion. Being a first class cricketer himself, Shoaib is in sync with the level of focus and hard work that any game demands. During the CWG and Asian Games, I saw Sania more at peace and on solid ground with the support she receives from all around her.
Her primary goal, back in November, was to get into the main draw of Grand Slams in singles. As of March this year, Sania has achieved her target by rising to 73 in the singles rankings which will ensure her spot in French Open and Wimbledon. After watching her tame Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, I hinted to her that her form reminded me of 2007 when she slammed her way into the final of the Stanford WTA beating top 20 players en route. Sania agreed and said that her confidence was also back on track.
In recent years, Indians have fared way better in doubles than in singles. Leander Paes’s best singles ranking was 73, but it’s his doubles game that propelled his ranking to no.1 in the World and gave him myriad Grand Slam titles. Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna tried their stint on the singles circuit too, but changed course into doubles where success came faster and a bit easier.
This could be attributed to the fact that, in general, Indians are more adept at volleys and the angles that doubles demands. Also one cannot overlook the fitness level that’s required for long five set matches in singles. I can assure you that the singles court dimensions suddenly seem wider and bigger when you are a doubles specialist!!!
Sania has won 14 doubles tour titles in the past few years, but her priority has always been singles. Her best doubles ranking was 18 back in 2007 when she won back to back titles before the US Open. She has 2 Grand Slam doubles titles to her credit, one in juniors and the other one in 2009 when she won the Aussie Open mixed doubles with Mahesh Bhupathi.
In the beginning of this year, Sania had limited success with Czech partner Voracova at the Australian Open, but after Doha, Elena Vesnina and Sania seem to have found that niche. Indian Wells was a break through event for them where took the title without loss of a set. Their next campaign in Charleston against 2nd seeded pair of Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond was a sure indication of their potential as a pair. Sania and Elena won 6-3,6-4.They went on to take their 2nd title with wins against 4th seeded pair of Shaugnessy and Mattek-Sands.
Sania has the capability to play on the deuce court or the ad court. That kind of adaptability is rare. Her colossal forehand is one of the best in the game and it’s her racquet head speed that helps her pound that ball. I can vouch that it’s a tad scary to be staring down the barrel of her forehand when your partner serves a loopy 2nd serve. The reason why this pair is so deadly is because her partner Elena, packs a serious punch off her backhand shot. Thus this combination of high powered Sania forehand and the Elena backhand make them a force to reckon with.
Sania volleys have never been a major strength, but that is mainly due lack of opportunities. While her technique is sound, her comfort zone has always been on the baseline. But with so many top level doubles wins under her belt, her confidence in coming to the net is bound to increase.
The other factor that sticks out in recent match statistics are the tie-breaks. Out of the last seven 3rd set tie breaks, Sania and Elena have won all of them. In general, tie breaks involve some amount of luck too. But the consistency with which the tie breaks have gone Sania’s way are surely disproving that theory. I have seen Sania during these crunch moments in CWG and during the Asian games. Her ability to raise the level of her game a few notches at crucial times is what separates her from others. It’s the choices you make- to go for broke or play safe or play with controlled aggression. Sania chooses the last of the three options predominantly and comes out in flying colors.
While she might have expected more of herself in singles in this US circuit, her doubles ventures have not been in vain. She has climbed to a commendable ranking of 29 within a 3 month period. If Sania will choose to focus on both singles and doubles this year, she will need to select tournaments wisely in order to have enough recovery time between events. Looking at her current form, I won’t put a Women’s doubles Grand Slam title past her in the next year.
On the WTA tour, many women have dared to scale new heights after marriage. Kim Clijsters has obviously taken it to the next level by winning Grand Slam titles even after having a baby. As a married woman, Liezel Huber rose to no1 in the World in doubles and still continues to be a force on the tour. But it will be more challenging for Sania because she has cultural and traditional issues to deal with, in pursuing this. Having said that, I know Sania handles pressure much better than anyone I have seen.
Sania’s marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik can be the best for her tennis, in my opinion. Being a first class cricketer himself, Shoaib is in sync with the level of focus and hard work that any game demands. During the CWG and Asian Games, I saw Sania more at peace and on solid ground with the support she receives from all around her.
Her primary goal, back in November, was to get into the main draw of Grand Slams in singles. As of March this year, Sania has achieved her target by rising to 73 in the singles rankings which will ensure her spot in French Open and Wimbledon. After watching her tame Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, I hinted to her that her form reminded me of 2007 when she slammed her way into the final of the Stanford WTA beating top 20 players en route. Sania agreed and said that her confidence was also back on track.
In recent years, Indians have fared way better in doubles than in singles. Leander Paes’s best singles ranking was 73, but it’s his doubles game that propelled his ranking to no.1 in the World and gave him myriad Grand Slam titles. Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna tried their stint on the singles circuit too, but changed course into doubles where success came faster and a bit easier.
This could be attributed to the fact that, in general, Indians are more adept at volleys and the angles that doubles demands. Also one cannot overlook the fitness level that’s required for long five set matches in singles. I can assure you that the singles court dimensions suddenly seem wider and bigger when you are a doubles specialist!!!
Sania has won 14 doubles tour titles in the past few years, but her priority has always been singles. Her best doubles ranking was 18 back in 2007 when she won back to back titles before the US Open. She has 2 Grand Slam doubles titles to her credit, one in juniors and the other one in 2009 when she won the Aussie Open mixed doubles with Mahesh Bhupathi.
In the beginning of this year, Sania had limited success with Czech partner Voracova at the Australian Open, but after Doha, Elena Vesnina and Sania seem to have found that niche. Indian Wells was a break through event for them where took the title without loss of a set. Their next campaign in Charleston against 2nd seeded pair of Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond was a sure indication of their potential as a pair. Sania and Elena won 6-3,6-4.They went on to take their 2nd title with wins against 4th seeded pair of Shaugnessy and Mattek-Sands.
Sania has the capability to play on the deuce court or the ad court. That kind of adaptability is rare. Her colossal forehand is one of the best in the game and it’s her racquet head speed that helps her pound that ball. I can vouch that it’s a tad scary to be staring down the barrel of her forehand when your partner serves a loopy 2nd serve. The reason why this pair is so deadly is because her partner Elena, packs a serious punch off her backhand shot. Thus this combination of high powered Sania forehand and the Elena backhand make them a force to reckon with.
Sania volleys have never been a major strength, but that is mainly due lack of opportunities. While her technique is sound, her comfort zone has always been on the baseline. But with so many top level doubles wins under her belt, her confidence in coming to the net is bound to increase.
The other factor that sticks out in recent match statistics are the tie-breaks. Out of the last seven 3rd set tie breaks, Sania and Elena have won all of them. In general, tie breaks involve some amount of luck too. But the consistency with which the tie breaks have gone Sania’s way are surely disproving that theory. I have seen Sania during these crunch moments in CWG and during the Asian games. Her ability to raise the level of her game a few notches at crucial times is what separates her from others. It’s the choices you make- to go for broke or play safe or play with controlled aggression. Sania chooses the last of the three options predominantly and comes out in flying colors.
While she might have expected more of herself in singles in this US circuit, her doubles ventures have not been in vain. She has climbed to a commendable ranking of 29 within a 3 month period. If Sania will choose to focus on both singles and doubles this year, she will need to select tournaments wisely in order to have enough recovery time between events. Looking at her current form, I won’t put a Women’s doubles Grand Slam title past her in the next year.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Coimbatore memories
Growing up in Coimbatore and pursuing a one-of-a-kind dream was a journey like no other, whether it was umpiring a tennis match as an 8 year old or competing in tournaments against Boys at 10 years or winning a National Women’s title at 14. Oprah Winfrey was quoted saying “The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” I don’t think there are more apt words to describe my life.
Coimbatore has produced many National level tennis players. Amazingly, the level of tennis in most clubs is quite high. Within a 2 mile radius of my home, I could practice tennis in 3 different places, go for step running at the Nehru stadium and train for a long distance run at Race Course. For those who haven’t been to Coimbatore, Race Course is the 2.2 km pride of Coimbatore where green trees line the entire pathway around the circle. The Coimbatore Cosmopolitan Club is an institution in the city. My father became a member there in the 1970‘s and so my brother Ganesh and I were able to avail those wonderful facilities which included three immaculately maintained red clay courts.
My father, a former Ranjit Trophy cricket player, was a bit disillusioned with the politics that cricket involved and took a huge dive into tennis. When this man takes up something, there is nothing else that mattered more to him than learning the sport and mastering it. He even emulated the Krishnans by maintaining a tennis court of one of his friends solely for us to practice. On Sunday afternoons, Deepavali, Pongal and other holidays when the club was closed, we would spend long hours “drilling” forehands and backhands.
I had the luxury of being surrounded by top players in India. From my cousins to my brother to the many wonderful members of Cosmopolitan Club, I had myriad practice partners to choose from. Playing against adults made me think like an adult on the tennis court. Of course, being a total tennis junkie, helped too. I was the only girl and the youngest in that group, so denying me those five minutes of a “hit” was almost impossible.
In my teen years, I had the opportunity to attend the PERKS school. The correspondent, the late Mr.Ramaranganathan was a visionary and I was fortunate to be able to train at the Perks Health center and the tennis courts at my own school. Now that I have a tennis academy here in California, I try my best to recreate some of that atmosphere to my students.
To say that there were no challenges would be misleading. I was training to play international pro tennis, a path which no other female player from India had ventured into. Coimbatore, in fact, even India, was not ready for me that time. So I had to swim against the cultural and social currents on an everyday basis.
Coimbatore didn’t have that many attractions for kids growing up. Cinema for us was quite rare, but when we went, it was mainly to the Central theatre which used to play all the James Bond movies. My brother and I were quite awed by Clint Eastwood too who could shoot at the speed of lightening!! Becoming a Rajni fan, came only later!!
There are 3 main places which were my favorite haunts growing up. Pazhamudir Nilayam, which is the fruit and juice stall, was our regular stop after a long day of tennis or after a strenous run at the stadium. The JM and Sons Bakers whipped out delectable cakes, puddings and desserts and their Japanese cake was to die for. And last, but certainly, not the least was Annapoorna. After all the travelling in and outside India, I am yet to taste a sambar like theirs.
As you all see, nostalgia takes over when I recall my memories of my younger years in Coimbatore. I am sure you would all agree the wonderful weather and the tasteful Siruvani water are especially unique to the city as is the city itself.
Coimbatore has produced many National level tennis players. Amazingly, the level of tennis in most clubs is quite high. Within a 2 mile radius of my home, I could practice tennis in 3 different places, go for step running at the Nehru stadium and train for a long distance run at Race Course. For those who haven’t been to Coimbatore, Race Course is the 2.2 km pride of Coimbatore where green trees line the entire pathway around the circle. The Coimbatore Cosmopolitan Club is an institution in the city. My father became a member there in the 1970‘s and so my brother Ganesh and I were able to avail those wonderful facilities which included three immaculately maintained red clay courts.
My father, a former Ranjit Trophy cricket player, was a bit disillusioned with the politics that cricket involved and took a huge dive into tennis. When this man takes up something, there is nothing else that mattered more to him than learning the sport and mastering it. He even emulated the Krishnans by maintaining a tennis court of one of his friends solely for us to practice. On Sunday afternoons, Deepavali, Pongal and other holidays when the club was closed, we would spend long hours “drilling” forehands and backhands.
I had the luxury of being surrounded by top players in India. From my cousins to my brother to the many wonderful members of Cosmopolitan Club, I had myriad practice partners to choose from. Playing against adults made me think like an adult on the tennis court. Of course, being a total tennis junkie, helped too. I was the only girl and the youngest in that group, so denying me those five minutes of a “hit” was almost impossible.
In my teen years, I had the opportunity to attend the PERKS school. The correspondent, the late Mr.Ramaranganathan was a visionary and I was fortunate to be able to train at the Perks Health center and the tennis courts at my own school. Now that I have a tennis academy here in California, I try my best to recreate some of that atmosphere to my students.
To say that there were no challenges would be misleading. I was training to play international pro tennis, a path which no other female player from India had ventured into. Coimbatore, in fact, even India, was not ready for me that time. So I had to swim against the cultural and social currents on an everyday basis.
Coimbatore didn’t have that many attractions for kids growing up. Cinema for us was quite rare, but when we went, it was mainly to the Central theatre which used to play all the James Bond movies. My brother and I were quite awed by Clint Eastwood too who could shoot at the speed of lightening!! Becoming a Rajni fan, came only later!!
There are 3 main places which were my favorite haunts growing up. Pazhamudir Nilayam, which is the fruit and juice stall, was our regular stop after a long day of tennis or after a strenous run at the stadium. The JM and Sons Bakers whipped out delectable cakes, puddings and desserts and their Japanese cake was to die for. And last, but certainly, not the least was Annapoorna. After all the travelling in and outside India, I am yet to taste a sambar like theirs.
As you all see, nostalgia takes over when I recall my memories of my younger years in Coimbatore. I am sure you would all agree the wonderful weather and the tasteful Siruvani water are especially unique to the city as is the city itself.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The price of beauty!!
So after a long time, I decide to take the day off and relax in a spa. You know, the usual-cucumber slices on the eyes and towel over the head,lotions on the face...
So i walk in and after a cursory look of my face through the luminiscent light, the Korean lady declares- Oh-you need a Deeeep Cleaning Facial. I said-hey-ur the boss...lets do it.
After I was all comfy and relaxed,she brought her "tools". OOOOh-tools they were!!!
She pricked,prodded and pinched her way through all the crevices of my face.I was almost screaming and wincing. Just then it hit me- Helllo-wait a minute.I am paying this lady a good amount for administering pure pain and...oh also to get me over my phobia of needles.Yup,oh totally makes sense-Niru,i thought.
Then she puts this fiberglass oval shaped thing over my face. OOH! I get it-she is also helping me get over my other phobia-claustrophobia. Awesome! This worked out good today.Oh, The price of beauty.....
Some smart person once said"Beauty is, but skin deep". I am going to heed that advice from now on....
So i walk in and after a cursory look of my face through the luminiscent light, the Korean lady declares- Oh-you need a Deeeep Cleaning Facial. I said-hey-ur the boss...lets do it.
After I was all comfy and relaxed,she brought her "tools". OOOOh-tools they were!!!
She pricked,prodded and pinched her way through all the crevices of my face.I was almost screaming and wincing. Just then it hit me- Helllo-wait a minute.I am paying this lady a good amount for administering pure pain and...oh also to get me over my phobia of needles.Yup,oh totally makes sense-Niru,i thought.
Then she puts this fiberglass oval shaped thing over my face. OOH! I get it-she is also helping me get over my other phobia-claustrophobia. Awesome! This worked out good today.Oh, The price of beauty.....
Some smart person once said"Beauty is, but skin deep". I am going to heed that advice from now on....
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sorry state of affairs
Fed Cup results from Nonthanburi,Thailand are just coming in and India's performance has been a bit disappointing. India lost to China,Uzbekistan and lastly to Thailand.
This is not new, India has been in this state, stagnant and monotonous for more than 15-20 years. India has been in and out of Group 1 time and time again. But never ever has it come close to actually qualifying into the World Group.
After all, that should be the target,is it not?
But that target has been shoved into the shadows and all that is expected of the team is to cause a few upsets and remain in Group 1 for the next year. If one were to analyse this, it is so obvious that are some stark issues that needs to be addressed.
Sania wins all her singles matches. India has a few options for the 2nd player, Poojashree is a talented girl who has done fairly well on the circuit. But beyond Sania, there is no one in the horizon. And its not one person we should be looking out for-its the pack of wolves that I am talking about. We need at least 8-10 girls able to threaten the top women and ready and raring to go.
It is just wishful thinking mainly because the people at the helm of affairs are probably not willing to concede that there needs to be radical change for Women's tennis in india. It is as apparent and as obvious now as it was to me months ago, when as a 33 yr old and after 8 years of retirement, I made the Indian team. First comes the admittance, then can come action.
This is not new, India has been in this state, stagnant and monotonous for more than 15-20 years. India has been in and out of Group 1 time and time again. But never ever has it come close to actually qualifying into the World Group.
After all, that should be the target,is it not?
But that target has been shoved into the shadows and all that is expected of the team is to cause a few upsets and remain in Group 1 for the next year. If one were to analyse this, it is so obvious that are some stark issues that needs to be addressed.
Sania wins all her singles matches. India has a few options for the 2nd player, Poojashree is a talented girl who has done fairly well on the circuit. But beyond Sania, there is no one in the horizon. And its not one person we should be looking out for-its the pack of wolves that I am talking about. We need at least 8-10 girls able to threaten the top women and ready and raring to go.
It is just wishful thinking mainly because the people at the helm of affairs are probably not willing to concede that there needs to be radical change for Women's tennis in india. It is as apparent and as obvious now as it was to me months ago, when as a 33 yr old and after 8 years of retirement, I made the Indian team. First comes the admittance, then can come action.
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