Dakshayani caps stunning run in Penang by clinching U-19 title

PETALING JAYA: Rising squash player T. Dakshayani punched above her weight to clinch the girls’ Under-19 title at the Penang Junior Open last week.

The 17-year-old, who was competing in the Under-19 category for the first time, took down compatriot Puteri Rania Zahirah Mior Ahmad Nazril 11-3, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 at the Nicol David International Squash Centre.

Dakshayani had also caused a major upset en route to the final after she downed top seed Jinoreeka Ning 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Her win in Penang was made even sweeter after she received the Sports Star Award from her school in SMK Seri Hartamas, a week before competing.

“I’m truly grateful to my parents for always believing and motivating me to give my best, and to my brother Daarvish too, who has always been my sparring partner,” said Dakshayani.

Training under former national player Ryan Pasqual at the Squash Racquets Association of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur, Dakshayani has just completed her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and will begin her tertiary education in September.

But before that, she will represent the Federal Territories for the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) on home ground in Kuala Lumpur as she is among the main players in the team.