Simply Smashing
As squash rebounds at the Club, Members can’t get enough of the sport’s rewarding mix of fitness and friendship.
“That’s not exercise, it’s flagellation.” English playwright Noël Coward’s observation on the game of squash echoes that of many outsiders watching players maniacally chase a tiny ball around a room.
But for enthusiasts, squash is the perfect fitness tonic.
It can also be an antidote to the blahs of a chilly morning. When things heat up on the Club’s courts, not only do the balls bounce more, but players also get a killer workout.
“It’s so intense and always challenging,” says Neil Bevan, a Club Member since 2004 who began playing in the UK. “I played rugby most of my earlier life and felt that it had a similar feeling to squash: hard but enjoyable.”
Bevan also likes how friendships form naturally on the court. Beyond the sweat factor, it’s the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that keeps him going back.
“The great thing about squash is that players, both advanced and beginner level, are always generous with their time,” he explains. “They are supportive and love to teach. You can decide how hard you want the game to be run. It’s so easy to begin playing and a wonderful way to become part of an outstanding group of people. It’s so very accessible.”
Married players Atsushi and Jieun Miyasaka are some of the Members with whom Bevan goes toe to toe. They began playing casually at the Club about three years ago after joining in 2019. Fellow Member Mehrdad Mehrabi Jirandeh was playing on the next court over and asked them to join. The games soon became a regular morning fixture for the group.
“It’s a great start to the day for both of us, and we can burn calories easily,” says Jieun. “We love the squash community—everyone is nice, fun and kind—and while it can be competitive from time to time, other players give us good tips and advice.”
Jieun began participating in the Club league last summer. Her aim is to make the Tokyo squash grade tournament. As for Atsushi, his goal is to win a game against his wife. To do that, he notes, he’ll need to practice more and improve.
With nearly 130 players, the Club’s squash community offers no shortage of opportunities to meet partners, drop in on a group or form a new one. As interest in the three second-floor courts returns to pre-pandemic levels, with expanded league play and free instruction available from pro Rico Cheung, squash has never been more accessible to Club Members.
“For those in their mid-to-late 50s and over, squash is one of the best sports to keep you fit and young,” says Atsushi, who, like Jieun, also works out in the Fitness Center every week. “With the excellent Club facilities, it is extremely easy to play.”
Visit the Squash page of the Club website to book courts and learn more about events, lessons and free introductory sessions.
Words: Tim Hornyak
Top Image of (l–r) Neil Bevan, Ajeesh Sadanand, Jieun Miyasaka, Atsushi Miyasaka and Geoffrey Dossor: Yuuki Ide
