Every nation has a sport which looms large in the eyes of fans in terms of popularity, grabs so much television time and attention of sponsors.
Soccer and tennis are so dominant in France, that for world men’s No. 2, Gregory Gaultier, recognition on the streets or in public places like airports happens only in Aix-en-Provence, his own city.
The French ace attained a career best world No. 1 ranking in 2009 and 2014, becoming the second pro from his country (Thierry Lincou in 2004) to reach the top. “When I return to France after winning titles,people are aware of my achievements in my own city. Nothing compared to say, a tennis player can get. Our nation follows soccer and tennis, squash comes down the order,” he said.
France is a powerhouse in world squash, a two-time World Team Squash finalist, going down to Australia in 2003 Vienna (Austria) and Egypt in 2009 Odense (Denmark). Gaultier featured in four World Open Championship finals (2006 Cairo, 2007 Hamilton, 2011 Rotterdam and 2013 Manchester). Lincou had qualified for the 2003 World Open final in Lahore, Pakistan. For the sporting fans back home, theseachievements count for little.
Gaultier reasons that squash is only one of the sports people follow. “We have a lot of sports and various top athletes, so it becomes tough to be on top. When we get results, squash is in the news and we are trying to bring the sport up in France,” said the two-time British Open and US Open champion and second on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings after Egypt’s Mohammed El Shorbagy.
The 32-year-old was at the Cricket Club of India squash court, Mumbai, as a celebrity player for the PSA exhibition series. The Frenchman sparred with India No. 1, Saurav Ghosal, No. 21 in the world, besides kids invited by CCI to get inspired watching these two leading pros. “There is a long way to go before squash becomes popular in France. We need big events to show the public what squash is all about.”
The Olympics Games is the next hope for the sport, feels Gaultier. “The new president of International Olympic Committee (German Olympic fencer Thomas Bach) is keen on bringing new sports into the Games. Squash will get a huge boost, we would then be sure of getting more exposure and television coverage.”
Viewer-friendlyThe world No. 2 wants his sport to become more viewer-friendly. “The PSA is doing a good job of presenting squash in a better way than before. The filming from different angles have improved,” said theFrench ace, aware of the realities before squash pros like him are rewarded for achievements in world events via recognition at home.
Gaultier is a celebrity in England, said Ritwik Bhattacharya, former India player.
The latter said: “The same event somewhere in England, Gregory Gaultier versus Saurav Ghosal, will have people paying to watch them on court. Squash has such a following there that I am sure people willpay 20 pounds per head to enjoy an exhibition on a glass-back court.”
Ritwik is working with the PSA to organise more exhibitions and clinics across India.
