This Article is From Oct 04, 2010

Homesick 12-year-old Nimji has big dreams

New Delhi: Khaalija Nimji set a record by being the youngest squash player ever to play in the Commonwealth Games despite suffering from bouts of homesickness.

The 12-year-old from Nairobi recently became the Kenyan national champion and was rewarded with her history-making trip to Delhi, though she was beaten 11-0, 11-3, 11-1 by Nicolette Fernandes, the world number 27 from Guyana.

"I was very excited, especially as I'm so young," Nimji said. It was a great experience - Nicolette is a very good player.

"She really plays great shots. I tried my best but I just couldn't do it. She's the best player I have ever played."

Her ambition, Nimji concluded by saying, was to play Nicol David and become world number one.

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