“I want to put India on the international map. I want to win a singles Grand Slam title, something no Indian has done before” — big words coming from a 14-year-old. But there is a certain steely resolve and confidence in Noida’s Rushil Khosla that makes you want to believe in him.
Rushil was just about nine when he picked up a racket and used to hit around the court with his father Amit. An engineer by profession, Amit indulged his son and soon young Rushil was training under Aditya Sachdeva — who had coached players liked Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan.
In the city to take part in the Sunfeast Super Series Junior Tennis Tournament, organised by Akhtar Ali, Rushil spoke to The Telegraph. On Saturday, Rushil defeated Debasis Saboo 6-0, 6-1 to win the under-14 title.
A series of title wins in the ATF Grade A singles tournaments last year has ensured that the youngster is ranked No.1 in his age category in Asia.
Awarded the Prime Minister Rashtriya Bal Shakti Purashkar this year for excellence in tennis, the youngster says he feels bored if he can’t play tennis.
“I have to be on the court every day, that is my entertainment.”
A scholar badge holder and a gold medal winner for academic excellence in his school DPS Noida, the Grade VIII student is also the school sports captain.
Asked who is his idol, Rushil’s eyes light up. “Both (Rafael) Nadal and Novak (Djokovic),” he said.
His mother Dr Rajni Khosla gave up her job as a professor to be able to accompany and support their son.
“We are very sure that we want him to grow in his chosen path. This is the age when a number of young players lose their focus. But Rushil is very keen and we are trying to be as supportive as we can,” she said. His sister Jhanvi is studying in IIT Delhi.
“I was a professor (Business communication & Life Skills) and gave up my career after 22 years so that I can be there for my son. I teach him while we travel, so his studies never suffer. Also, he is a rather good student, so that is never an issue,” she said.
Aware of the trials of top-level tennis, she said: “It would be wonderful if we get a real mentor to guide him. Tennis also is a very expensive sport, with all the international travel and all. We are trying our best to give him all he needs.”
As Rushil packed up his bags after the final, the very confidence he exuded made one feel that you were actually looking at a future star of Indian tennis. That is Rushil’s dream. Hopefully, it will come true.
