Veer Chotrani’s Asian Games debut: Chasing gold, a father’s legacy, and an Olympic dream

Veer Chotrani has trained with David Palmer in the US and with former World No. 1 Gregory Gaultier in Prague while preparing for Asiad. | Photo Credit: Instagram/Veer Chotrani

Twenty-five years after his father, Manish, won his second and final National title, squash player Veer Chotrani will make his Asian Games debut on Wednesday when he takes on Sri Lanka’s Shamil Wakeel in the round of 32 of the men’s singles competition at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.

While Manish may not have played on the professional circuit, he has been a mentor for his son in his journey and continues to be actively involved.

“He’s on the phone with me every day. He wants to know what I’m doing. Even when I’m at home, we are only talking about squash. It’s great to have someone in your family who can be supportive. And it’s because of him that I started playing squash,” Veer, the JSW Indian Open finalist, told Sportstar in an interaction ahead of the continental showpiece.

Manish’s presence in Japan will surely give the 24-year-old Veer an extra dose of motivation.

What may also push him is the reward at stake - winning the title means direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 where squash will make its Summer Games debut.

However, World No. 38 Veer does not want to think too far ahead.

“It’s a long road to winning the medal. You have to win five matches. So, it’s not going to be easy at all and I don’t want to keep thinking about that because that adds a lot of extra pressure and you just have to play good squash on that day and try to win. I have three guys who are seeded higher than me. I just want to focus on myself and play good squash,” said Veer, who trained with David Palmer in the US and with former World No. 1 Gregory Gaultier in Prague while preparing for Asiad.