KUALA LUMPUR: Squash player Yasshmita Jadish Kumar’s decision to defer her studies and train in Cairo has paid off after she won the Swiss Open in Uster, Switzerland, on Sunday.
The world No. 80 Malaysian swept aside Egypt’s world No. 201 Ruqayya Salem 11-5, 12-10, 11-7 in just 28 minutes to claim the women’s title.
Yasshmita, 21, has taken a one-year break from her business management studies at the University of West London in Bristol, England, to train in Cairo, where she has been based for the past month under Egyptian coaches Andrew Shoukry and Ahmad Faragallah.
“I’m happy to win my fourth career title. This one means a lot as I only moved to Cairo a month ago. It’s tough living alone in a new country,” said Yasshmita.
“I worked very hard over the past month, and winning this title will push me to do even better. Thanks to coaches Andrew and Ahmad for their guidance and training sessions.
“I’m looking forward to another good outing in a tournament in France in three weeks’ time.”
Yasshmita’s training is fully funded by her parents.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
