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No sponsors, but Rhamanan forging ahead to the United States

SINGAPORE — For months, he went door to door to several companies in search of corporate partners who can help fund his sporting dream.

Singapore's Vivian Rhamanan. TODAY file photo

Singapore's Vivian Rhamanan. TODAY file photo

SINGAPORE — For months, he went door to door to several companies in search of corporate partners who can help fund his sporting dream.

When his search for sponsorship ended in futility, local squash professional Vivian Rhamanan decided that there is only one person who can help: Himself.

Despite the lack of resources, the 29-year-old father-of-two will press on with his one-month training stint in the United States by forking out around S$9,000 of his own money — just to make the trip happen.

“I approached a few companies during the last few months but nothing came out of it,” said Rhamaman. “So, for this trip, I will have to draw from my own savings. But I am passionate about squash and this setback won’t deter me from fulfilling my dream.”

An approach to local sports governing body Sport Singapore for financial support also paid no dividends.

“Unfortunately, Sport Singapore could not help me out because I do not fall under the category of an elite athlete,” he explained. “Squash is not recognised as an elite sport here yet.”

However, Sport Singapore will be providing him with gym facilities, a nutrionist and sports psychology on a yearly basis.

His financial burden is also lifted slightly by the fact that the Singapore Squash Rackets Association (SSRA) is sponsoring his airfare and insurance, which amounts to around S$1,800.

Rhamanan, who will leave for the United States on Friday, will train under the guidance of of renowned coach Mubashir Gul — whose pupils included Malaysia’s former world No 7 Ong Beng Hee — and take part in some American tournaments.

“I will be training with Mubashir for two-and-a-half weeks in Minnesota before I head to Atlanta to take part in the Atlanta Squash Open,” said Rhamanan. “Mubashir is ideal to help me improve on the technical aspects of my game due to his rich playing and coaching experience.”

Rhamanan will be up against world No 141 Cameron Stafford from the Cayman Islands in the first round of the Atlanta Squash Open and said he is relishing the challenge of facing opponents from all around the world.

“My aim is to basically go there and learn as much as I can to grow as a player,” he said. “I will be watching other players closely and broadening my knowledge. I have been told Minnesota is a cold place, but adapting to the weather there will make me much tougher.”

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