Squash anyone? No, not the yellow vegetable — thestrategic, fast-paced, racquetball-like sport played all over theworld.

Ankush Mittal, first-year international student, explains thatsquash is similar to racquetball but requires more strategy, reflexaction and stamina because it is played at a faster pace. Insquash, as compared to racquetball, the court is wider but shorter,the racquet is longer, and the ball is about the size of aping-pong ball.

Mittal is a champion squash player in Delhi, India. Some of hisaward-winning tournaments include the Delhi Open and the DelhiDevelopment Authority National Open.

After being introduced to squash two and a half years ago by hismother, Mittal said he picked up the game quickly and was soon thecaptain of his high school squash team in India.

“I played two hours a day, Monday through Friday, andthree and a half hours a day on Saturday and Sunday,” Mittalsaid.

Although Mittal practiced daily, he attributes his success tohis nationally renowned coach.

“Because of him I am good … I have confidence,personal training and attention,” Mittal said.

Mittal also said his looks have often played a role in hisvictories. Standing at 6-feet tall, heavy-set Mittal said that heis not the typical squash player in India, which causes many tounderestimate his skill, power and stamina.

“My competitors thought they were going to beat me easily,but after I beat them in one shot, they realized thatoverconfidence killed them. After they see me play, they changetheir mind,” Mittal said.

His competitors were not the only people who doubted him —his parents were also reluctant. Mittal said that they thought heplayed too much, but after seeing him play, they are proud of himand have never tried to stop him.

“Squash is addictive and brings out the best in me. Onething is clear: I will never stop playing squash,” Mittalsaid.

Mittal is looking for a squash partner and plans to start anintramural squash team at SMU.