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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Making room for squash in a sleepy village
The blaze from the unforgiving afternoon sun bounces off the slick glass squash court, where a bunch of children are walking barefoot, their shoes in their hands. A low, thin wall sits between the modern court — the kind erected in a posh Mumbai club for an international tournament — and a row of concrete houses only recently upgraded from their kutcha status. A group of girls stands under the shade for a mid-day catch up. Bijali Darwada joins them. The 25-year-old has spent a large part of her teenage years across that little wall, hoping to become a national level squash player. Last year, she flew to Sri Lanka for an international tournament. The day after her return, as former squash pro Ritwik Bhattacharya vividly remembers, she sat by the lake, washing clothes. This is not usual for a squash player. Then again, nothing about this squash academy is usual. Nestled in a tiny corner of Maharashtra ringed by the Western Ghats, this countryside is now being swept by a largely urban sport. Kalote Mokashi, a village in Raigad district about two hours from suburban Mumbai, has waterfalls, camps by the lake and getaway farmhouses. It also has a sporting ecosystem that provides local children access to basic infrastructure, means to play sport, and a development path through a game they didn't know existed until 2017. That's when the Squash Temple and Rhythm Training (Start) academy sprung to life in this sleepy village, with Bhattacharya, India's former top-ranked pro and holder of nine Professional Squash Association (PSA) world tour titles, making Kalote Mokashi his home. Calling this academy their home are around 80 kids from this village of less than 500 people. From here, 46 alumni are ranked nationally and eight flaunt a PSA ranking. No one has won a championship yet, but pursuing a life that pulls them away from the norm of picking up odd jobs to make a living is transformative. 'Out of 100 kids, even if 10 go on to excel in squash, the other 90 have been upgraded with exposure,' Bhattacharya said, cutting through the sound of squash balls hitting the wall. 'It has required patience, but there's a social change element that has come out of this journey.' Start of the journey Over the past two decades, India has made steady strides in squash, with stars such as Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal, Joshna Chinappa, and Bhattacharya breaking into the global elite levels in the sport. In the 2023 Asian Games, the Indian contingent won five medals. But squash has usually been a game for the privileged. The idea of Start started germinating soon after Bhattacharya retired in 2010. Having turned to coaching and running a few programmes in Mumbai, Bhattacharya was at the mercy of kids' free time and clubs' court availability. 'I'd train them for one hour in the morning and evening. In the city, I felt like I was just sitting and waiting. Plus, I was a little tired of coaching just one segment of society,' he said. Squash is a sport brimming with players of affluent backgrounds, with scholarships in American colleges a lucrative bypass. Why, then, think of taking it rural? 'Because the talent is here,' Bhattacharya said. 'We have to take the institution to their doorstep and bridge this urban-rural divide, by not expecting them to go to Mumbai or Pune for training.' On one of his weekend trips, Bhattacharya found himself in Kalote Mokashi, where his friend and eventual co-founder of the academy Munish Makhija lived. Makhija showed Bhattacharya the vacant two-acre plot of land, which the squash star acquired in 2011. For a few years thereafter, Bhattacharya would visit Kalote Mokashi frequently to spend days playing football and weekends trekking with the village kids. It helped break the ice. In 2015, the thought of building a squash court was planted, which bore fruit two years later with an all-black indoor court. 'We built all the infrastructure employing people from the village,' Bhattacharya said. The academy was up and running, so was the kids' enthusiasm to learn something new. It was was set up with the help of co-founders Munish Makhija and Sridhar Gorthi. In the years since, much of their funding came from private companies' CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). It helped them add a glass court in 2023. 'Before this, we would spend our days just attending school and roaming around the forest,' said Krushna Darwada, 21. Luxman Pokale, 23, faced a common demand from his family after finishing school: 'Ab bade ho gaye ho, kuch kama lo (now that you're old enough, start earning)'. He'd pick up odd jobs to bring home some money. 'Ritwik sir told me to come and play here. Whatever you're earning there I will pay you',' he said. Live, breathe squash None of these kids had even heard of squash. Bhattacharya began by showing videos and then teaching them to hold a racquet. 'Then he taught us how to serve, how points are won, and so on,' said Bijali. 'I enjoyed it so much that I would be here the whole day after school.' That's essentially what Bhattacharya yearned for — a place where kids can live, breathe and eat squash and sports. The 45-year-old resides in the village. So does Karan Sharma, a fitness trainer. The kids have a fitness session in the morning and two squash sessions a day, the second largely involving matches. The glass court came up in 2023, and both courts are open 24x7. Sharma has seen kids ghosting (practicing court movement without a ball) even past midnight at times. Eight are now ranked on the PSA tour, and 74 have participated in junior and senior nationals over the years. From being confined to Kalote Mokashi, they've gone to Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chennai, Delhi to compete. Add Sri Lanka to Bijali's travel diaries, at an age when most girls in her village are married. 'It was such a different experience,' Bijali, ranked 352 in the PSA charts, said. They also get to interact with players from other backgrounds who often visit. Akanksha Salunkhe, the world No.72 who Bhattacharya coaches, often stays at the academy. Current India women's No.1 and fast-rising Anahat Singh has also been here. Young talents Nirupama Dubey and Gurveer Singh, as well as former Italian pro turned coach Stephane Galifi, are frequent occupiers of the four rooms at the academy reserved for visitors. Brush with pros The Delhi-based Gurveer was in Kalote Mokashi for a two-week training block in April. The 17-year-old has made periodic visits since 2021, when he felt his game style needed reinvention. His training under Bhattacharya is a lot more specific, which the village kids get to see. They've also realised what squash's inclusion for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics means, with the LA 2028 logo painted on the tin of the glass court. 'They get the excitement around it,' Bhattacharya said. ' Akanksha is training here for that, so are the likes of Gurveer and Nirupama. They're seeing and understanding how much I'm pushing them.' Village kids are assigned to take the city trainees for treks; a physical test they are inbuilt to ace (Bhattacharya said they can climb a nearby mountain in 20 minutes). In turn, from the pros, they pick up squash's technical nuances. 'I observe how they train, their technique, how they keep their mind relaxed between games,' said Sadashiv Shingwa, 23. Village upliftment All of the academy's employees are from the village. 'Out of the 80 families here, at least 40 are directly involved with us,' Bhattacharya said. The academy has Wifi and washrooms that villagers have access to. Trainees can have meals at the academy, and eggs await any village kid at 5pm. 'There's still some malnutrition. But they're stronger, taller, fitter now,' Bhattacharya said. Bijali, richer for the taste of outside life, also sees the change. 'The village is a lot cleaner. Anyone who throws plastic now, we pick it up,' she said. 'With squash,' 21-year-old Raju Shingwa added, 'people in our village are getting a glimpse of how life is outside.' Inside this little ecosystem, the chain reaction is already in motion. The academy's first batch players have started to teach the younger children, who come in as early as six. Most trainees also bring their brothers and sisters along. 'I've also gone to nearby villages asking them to come here,' Bijali said. Beyond their personal growth and the village's development, Bhattacharya reckons it's a matter of time that someone from Kalote Mokashi takes the step up in elite squash. 'Our goal is to scout four guys and girls to join the PSA tour,' he said. 'I really believe that in 2-3 years, we'll have eight players ranked in the top 100 from this village.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Business Leaders Sound Alarm: Head Start Cuts Would Worsen State's Childcare and Workforce Crisis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of respected Florida business leaders is warning that proposed federal cuts to Head Start would dramatically worsen Florida's already severe childcare shortage, deepening the state's workforce crisis and damaging long-term economic competitiveness. The Florida Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the National Chamber Foundation, estimates that childcare disruptions cost Florida's economy nearly $5.4 billion annually, working parents miss shifts or leave jobs altogether to care for young children. The pending elimination of federal Head Start funding, floated in a leaked version of the President's budget, has sparked a new alarm. While a later version of the budget – known as the "skinny budget"—omitted any mention of Head Start, Florida leaders say that silence is cause for concern. "Eliminating Head Start would pour gasoline on the fire of our existing childcare crisis," said Paul Mitchell, policy expert with The Southern Group and board member of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. "We already know childcare gaps drive parents out of the workforce, reduce tax revenue for the state, and place immense strain on Florida families and employers." Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve roughly 45,000 low-income children under age five across Florida's 800+ centers. Losing this vital early learning infrastructure would not only devastate vulnerable families – it would cost the state an estimated $668 million annually to replace those services, double the current state budget for Voluntary Pre-K (VPK). Workforce Shortages + Economic Fallout According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, lack of childcare is the number one reason why working parents of young children leave the labor force. Over 281,000 Floridians reported leaving work in the past year specifically to care for a child, at a time when there are only 90 workers for every 100 open jobs. Florida TaxWatch -- the state's leading nonpartisan watchdog -- estimates that unreliable childcare costs the state more than $743 million in lost tax revenues and $1.7 billion in turnover expenses for businesses each year. "Gutting Head Start would amplify these devastating numbers," says Jeff Kottkamp, Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and former Lt. Governor who chaired Florida's Children and Youth Cabinet. "This isn't just a family issue, it's an economic one." , A Proven Return on Investment Head Start has been studied for decades and delivers one of the highest returns of any federal program. Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that every $1 invested in early childhood education generates up to $9 in taxpayer savings, due to long-term outcomes such as: Higher high school graduation rates Reduced crime and incarceration Fewer teen pregnancies Lower healthcare and public assistance costs Increased workforce participation "We'd be foolish to defund Head Start, it should be expanded," said David Lawrence, Jr., retired Miami-Herald publisher and chair of The Children's Movement of Florida. "We have decades of data showing the difference it makes not just for kids, but for the future of our country." A Call to Action Head Start is lauded for its direct-to-community funding model – cutting out bureaucracy to deliver local impact efficiently. "Families that once depended on welfare are now working, contributing, and thriving thanks to Head Start," said Wanda Minick, Executive Director of the Florida Head Start Association. "We urge business and community leaders to join us in advocating for this lifeline." TaxWatch's Kottkamp reinforces this point: "Access to high-quality affordable childcare is not only important for families—it's also important for our state's economy. The return on investment for taxpayers for the Head Start program is significant. Even more important, the Head Start program leads to better long-term socio-economic outcomes for children and families." Join the Effort Visit FHSA's website to learn how you can support Head Start and protect the future of Florida's children and workforce. About FHSA The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state. Representing more than 45,000 children and families in Florida, FHSA champions access to high-quality. Head Start, a key player in the early childhood education landscape, providing critical services, including school readiness, comprehensive health support, and family support. Guided by the Head Start Program Performance Standards, FHSA empowers members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to families by Head Start. For more information, please visit Media Contact: Wanda Minick, Executive Director(850) 694-6477Wanda@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Florida Head Start Association Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First-time buyers could be hit with nearly £30,000 in costs in first three months
First-time buyers could be hit with nearly £30,000 in costs within the first three months of picking up their keys – as they shell out thousands on furniture, decorating, and essential appliances. A study of 1,000 adults who bought their first home in the past five years found those furnishing their space spent an average of £3,487 on the likes of sofas, coffee tables and beds. While kitchen appliances – such as air fryers, coffee machines, and toasters – added another £2,662, and redecorating to suit their style came in at £2,118 on average. Others spent just shy of £3,000 on home décor – filling their new property with items like plants, wall art, and rugs. Those who hired a removal company forked out around £1,747 – and once the deal was done, many were faced with repairs, including electrical work (£1,914) and roof fixes (£1,759). The research was commissioned by Skipton Building Society to mark the launch of its Delayed Start Mortgage – a new mortgage product which allows first-time buyers to delay repayments for the first three months, giving them breathing space to get settled into their new home. Tayo Oguntonade, TV presenter, property and finance expert, said: 'There are so many hidden costs that come with buying your first home, from legal fees to moving expenses, they can really add up. 'My top tip is to take the time to understand all the costs involved in the process. 'That way, you can turn unexpected expenses into expected ones, because when you're fully informed, nothing can catch you off guard.' The study also found 43 per cent of new homeowners struggled to afford their first mortgage repayment due to the avalanche of upfront costs. Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) said their finances were stretched to the limit, and 35 per cent were juggling costs for two properties, as rental agreements overlapped with moving in. Four in 10 (43 per cent) found it difficult to line up their move with the end of their lease – with 26 per cent blaming delays in the buying process. Jen Lloyd, head of mortgage products at Skipton Building Society, said: 'Many first-time buyers are shocked by just how much they need to spend after collecting their keys – with costs quickly mounting into the tens of thousands. 'A lot are moving from furnished rentals or their parents' homes, meaning they're starting entirely from scratch when it comes to furniture, appliances and home essentials. 'With first-time buyers focussed on saving for a deposit to get onto the property ladder, which we know is already a major hurdle for many. 'These additional expenses can often come as a surprise and can be difficult to budget for on top of everything else – from solicitor fees to new utility bills and much more. 'The process of moving is already overwhelming, and the financial hit in those first few months can make what should be an exciting new chapter feel incredibly stressful. 'It's clear that many buyers need more support and flexibility during this transition period.' While 72 per cent expected some big costs during the transition, 26 per cent had to dip into savings they hadn't planned to use. One in five (19 per cent) resorted to credit, 17 per cent took on extra work or overtime, and 15 per cent borrowed from friends or family. The most surprising costs were solicitor fees (20 per cent), estate agent charges (19 per cent) and the price of furniture (18 per cent). With 17 per cent being caught off guard by their new council tax bill, and 14 per cent were shocked by the cost of white goods. In fact, 61 per cent of those polled via OnePoll said the financial blow took the shine off getting on the property ladder, and it took an average of eight months to recover financially. Looking back, 71 per cent wish they'd known more about the true cost of buying a home – and 74 per cent called for greater support for first-time buyers as they navigate the early stages of homeownership. Jen Lloyd added: 'Big life moments like buying your first home should be a time of freedom and excitement – but for many, the financial strain makes it hard to enjoy this new chapter. 'With so many upfront costs, from essential repairs to furniture and fees, new homeowners can feel weighed down just as they're finally getting their own place. 'While it's encouraging many are preparing as best they can, the reality is these expenses still come as a shock. 'Buyers often find themselves scrambling to cover everything, whether that's dipping into savings, using credit, or leaning on loved ones. 'We believe in fairness, that's exactly why we've launched our new Delayed Start Mortgage – to give first-time buyers a fair start in their new home, and the breathing space they need in those critical first few months.'
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
First-time homeowners spending an extra £30k after moving in
First-time homeowners spending an extra £30k after moving in A study of 1,000 adults who purchased their first property in the last five years found that many had to spend thousands extra in the first three months First-time homeowners might be hit with expenses close to £30,000 in the first three months after getting their keys, as they shell out for furniture, decoration, and essential appliances. A survey of 1,000 adults who bought their first home within the past five years showed that, on average, new property owners spent £3,487 on items like sofas, coffee tables, and beds. Kitchen gadgets such as air fryers, coffee machines, and toasters racked up another £2,662, while redecoration costs came in at an average of £2,118. Some forked out nearly £3,000 on home décor, including plants, wall art, and rugs, and those hiring a removal firm faced bills of about £1,747. Post-purchase, many had to tackle repairs, with electrical work costing £1,914 and roof repairs at £1,759. The research indicated that 43 per cent of new homeowners struggled to make their first mortgage payment due to these upfront costs. The study was carried out by Skipton Building Society to mark the launch of its Delayed Start Mortgage – a new product designed to give first-time buyers a break from repayments for the initial three months, allowing them to settle into their new home. Article continues below In the recent survey, a staggering 63 per cent of new homeowners said their budget was stretched to the limit, with over a third managing costs for two homes while juggling rental agreements and property purchases. Skipton Building Society's head of mortgage products Jen Lloyd commented: "Many first-time buyers are shocked by just how much they need to spend after collecting their keys – with costs quickly mounting into the tens of thousands. "These additional expenses can often come as a surprise and can be difficult to budget for on top of everything else – from solicitor fees to new utility bills and much more." Lloyd also mentioned: "The process of moving is already overwhelming, and the financial hit in those first few months can make what should be an exciting new chapter feel incredibly stressful. It's clear that many buyers need more support and flexibility during this transition period." Three quarters of the participants expected to have to spend extra money when they moved in but a quarter didn't anticipate tapping into their savings. Many first-time buyers had to resort to credit, working overtime or borrowing money from friends and family. Brits end up spending thousands on new furniture (Image: (Image: Getty) ) For two-thirds of respondents, these financial pressures dimmed the excitement of moving into a new home, with the average time to recover financially being eight months. Looking back, seven in ten of those surveyed admitted they wished they had been better prepared for the true cost of buying a home, while an even greater number, called for more support to be offered to first-time buyers during the initial period of homeownership. Jen Lloyd added: "Big life moments like buying your first home should be a time of freedom and excitement – but for many, the financial strain makes it hard to enjoy this new chapter. With so many upfront costs, from essential repairs to furniture and fees, new homeowners can feel weighed down just as they're finally getting their own place. Article continues below "While it's encouraging many are preparing as best they can, the reality is these expenses still come as a shock. Buyers often find themselves scrambling to cover everything, whether that's dipping into savings, using credit, or leaning on loved ones. "We believe in fairness, that's exactly why we've launched our new Delayed Start Mortgage – to give first-time buyers a fair start in their new home, and the breathing space they need in those critical first few months."
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
New first-time buyer mortgage with no repayments for the first three months launched
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FIRST-TIME buyers struggling to manage the hefty costs of getting on the property ladder now have a new option to ease the financial strain. Skipton Building Society has introduced its Delayed Start Mortgage, allowing borrowers to postpone repayments for the first three months after moving into their new home. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Delayed Start Mortgage offers fixed rates ranging from 4.78% to 5.4% and is available to buyers with deposits starting at just 5% Credit: Alamy The lender says this innovative product provides a much-needed "breathing space" for buyers grappling with the extra expenses that come with purchasing and furnishing a first home. According to Skipton's research, these costs can quickly spiral, with first-time buyers spending an average of £3,500 on furniture, £2,600 on kitchen appliances, and £1,700 on removal services. The study also revealed that it typically takes buyers around eight months to recover financially from moving-related expenses, which can dampen the excitement of becoming a homeowner. To ease the transition, the Delayed Start Mortgage offers fixed rates ranging from 4.78% to 5.4% and is available to buyers with deposits starting at just 5%. All the deals are fee-free, meaning borrowers won't have to pay any upfront arrangement fees. Borrowers can use the three-month repayment holiday to focus on settling into their new home without the immediate pressure of monthly mortgage payments. What fixed rates are available? BORROWERS can choose from the following six rates: Two Year Fixed, 90% LTV – 4.87% Two Year Fixed, 95% LTV – 5.20% Two Year Fixed, 90% LTV – 4.78% Two Year Fixed, 95% LTV – 5.00% Two Year Fixed New Build, 95% LTV – 5.40% Five Year Fixed New Build, 95% LTV – 5.20% Jen Lloyd, head of mortgage products at Skipton, said: "Becoming a home-owner should be one of the most exciting milestones in someone's life. "However, our research shows that first-time buyers are struggling and feel the cost associated with the move takes the shine off getting on to the property ladder. "We hope that this product will help first-time buyers settle into their new home and help ease the strain of the costs that come with buying a first home that go beyond the deposit." The Sun's James Flanders explains how to find the best deal on your mortgage However, while the mortgage allows you to pause repayments for the first three months, interest will continue to accrue during this period. This means the total amount you owe will go up slightly, as the unpaid interest is added to your total mortgage costs. There's no such thing as a free lunch Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients How does the mortgage work in practice? If you sign up for the Delayed Start Mortgage, you won't need to make any payments for the first three months. During this time, no payments are required, but interest will still be charged at the fixed rate you originally chose. For example, if you selected a two-year fixed rate of 5.2% with a 5% deposit, your payments for the first three months would be £0. After the three month break, your mortgage will continue at the same 5.2% rate until August 8, 2027. Assuming the interest rate remains the same, your monthly payments for the remaining 24 months of the fixed period would be £1,516.27. In comparison, if you opted for the same mortgage deal without the three-month payment holiday, your monthly payments would be £1,491 over the same 24-month period. In total, deferring the first three payments would cost you an additional £606.48 in interest over the two-year period. Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, says: "Skipton should be applauded for this innovation as it is yet anther example of the building society ethos of actually trying to help first-time buyers with real-world solutions. "However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. "Enjoying a mortgage sabbatical will cost around £600. "Also, it is not the cheapest rate for a 95% loan-to-value fee-free product." For instance, Barclays is currently offering a five-year fixed rate deal at 95% loan-to-value (LTV) with an interest rate of 4.84%. For a £230,000 mortgage, this would result in monthly payments of £1,358, fixed for 61 months. This figure includes a £115 fee. How much can I borrow? A MORTGAGE affordability calculator helps determine how much you can borrow. It uses your income and expenses to estimate the maximum loan you can afford. Thes calculators consider your gross income, including salary, bonuses, and other income sources. It also takes into account your monthly outgoings, such as bills, debt repayments, and living expenses. By analysing your income and expenses, the calculator estimates your disposable income. It then uses this information, along with current interest rates, to calculate the maximum mortgage you can realistically afford. Some calculators also consider your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Banks, lenders, broker websites, and price comparison platforms all provide these convenient online tools. How can I compare monthly mortgage costs? Mortgage calculators can help you compare the total cost of two different mortgages. They allow you to input key details like loan amount, term, and interest rate for each mortgage. You can then compare the monthly payments and total interest paid over the loan term for both mortgages. Calculators also let you factor in additional fees and incentives to get a more accurate comparison of the overall cost. This helps you determine which mortgage offers better value, even if the interest rates are similar. Ultimate Mortgage Calculator can help you do this in minutes. Just enter the details of the mortgage products by visiting
