India Captain Mehta Wins Player of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 April 2017 –
 
The year 2016 was a special one for Alok Mehta. At age 49, he became one of the oldest players to qualify and compete at an IRF World Championships, and did so representing his native India as Team Captain. This, in addition to his many other racquetball achievements in and around Illinois during the year, led to his selection as the 2016 Illinois State Racquetball Association (ISRA) Male Player of the Year.
 
According to Mehta, his love of the sport and the friendships that are made keep him motivated to compete. “Racquetball is all about having fun and having that community that you can rely on time and again,” he said. “I’m grateful for the many people in my personal and athletic life that have helped me to become the player and person I am.” Click here for an interview with Mehta about India Racquetball recorded during the 2016 World Championships.
 
ISRA Governing Board Member and IRF Board Officer Cheryl Kirk believed Mehta to be very deserving of the award. “Alok is a fine player and a gentleman on and off the court, always. He and his son Devin, 9, both competed in the ISRA State Singles Championships, and both took home medals for their fine showings. It is a pleasure to have Alok as a member of Team Illinois, and we are proud that he also brings the international perspective through his leadership and participation with Team India.”
Although Mehta may not attempt to qualify for India’s 2018 world championship team, he has and will continue to compete at the IRF Senior World Racquetball Championships, where players compete in their own age bracket. A regular at the event, expect Mehta to be a regular on the podium.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Kirk.

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