Fernandes pleased with “tremendous” performances at Jubilee tournament

The National Racquet Centre was ground zero last weekend for the Guyana Squash Association’s 60th Independence Jubilee tournament.
The invitational tournament, which showcased the top eight players in each category, concluded on Sunday with the likes of Nicolette Fernandes, Alex Arjoon, Ashley and Jason Ray Khalil, Ethan Bulkan and Kaylee Lowe amongst the top performers.
In praise of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ initiative, GSA President David Fernandes noted that the competition came at an opportune time.
The GSA President told this publication, “It’s been a fantastic tournament. We want to thank the Ministry of Sport and the Government for affording all the different sports this opportunity to have this event. It came at the right time because our junior team is preparing for the Caribbean Championships later on in June and July.”
“So, it’s some really, really amazing squash being played. It’s been brilliant so far,” he added.
Delving deeper, Fernandes explained that preparation can be better in a competitive atmosphere.
Fernandes explained, “It’s about the athletes; it’s about the youths and young adults who play the sport. We really think that it’s a great opportunity for them to show their skills in a competitive atmosphere because when you’re training, you don’t get that buzz. Whenever you’re playing in a competitive environment, it gives you a whole different physical and psychological challenge. So, it’s great to have this tournament at this time.”
As such, the GSA boss was happy to see the athletes giving of their best on the court.
“Obviously, it’s a tournament where we’re able to select players, not playing a wide draw. So, it’s invitational, and all the players were very excited to participate. The quality of Squash has been tremendous, and that’s been probably, for me, the greatest excitement – to see them giving 110 per cent all the time,” Fernandes expressed.