She is all of 16, but this squash player from namma Chennai has already made the city proud by reaching the highest ranking in the top 50 European circuit.

Lakshmi Shruti Settipalli is now all set to represent the nation at the Finland Open this month and the sportsperson has been rigorously practicing for the tournament. "I'm taking part in the Finland Open and will also compete in the Slovakia Open, in the 'Under 17' category. I will also be part of the US and Swiss Open later this year."

Shruti's tryst with squash began when she was merely 13. "I saw someone playing squash at one of the clubs in Chennai and it was really amusing to see two players playing on the same side. I soon developed an interest in the sport and started practicing the game. I train under Cyrus Poncha sir and Maniam sir."

Has she been meeting the other Chennai girls, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa as well? "We do practice together at times and it's fun playing with them. The squash scene in Chennai has improved a lot and there are a lot youngsters who are taking part in the game. Though India is yet to achieve the standards of Europe in terms of the training facilities and the number of people taking up the game, the squash scene has changed a lot," she says.

Though Shruti is all set to face the Board exams next year, she maintains that squash will remain her priority. "Dipika, Joshna are all from my school and have made the country proud. I also want to make the nation proud."