INUVIK - What do you do when you work in the same building as a world-class squash player?

Chris Balla and former Sudanese champion squash player Hani Dangoria will be starting a squash league in Inuvik in the next few weeks. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

Well, if you're Chris Balla you join forces the former Sudanese squash champion to start a league in Inuvik.

"We're going to take full advantage of his skills," said Balla. "He's extremely excited to work with the juniors and they need to learn the fundamentals."

Hani Dangoria arrived in Inuvik about a month ago, bringing with him a wealth of international playing experience as a former member of Sudan's national squash team. He also happens to be a certified coach and referee.

Since getting a job at the hospital recently, where Balla also works, the pair have been playing squash virtually every day. They're currently training for The Freeze Up Squash Tournament in Yellowknife, from Nov. 23 to 26, which will boast some of the NWT's finest players.

But Dangoria has also been playing some of Inuvik's best players and so far he's been impressed with what he's seen. Naturally the pair figured there'd be lots of interest for a league that will boast both intermediate and advanced levels.

It's one thing to have talent, it's another thing, said Dangoria, to make the most of it.

"It's very important to learn the rules and the basic techniques so players can compete in tournaments and if they're very talented players and they know the rules it's easier for them to do well in competition," he said.

Balla's already convinced First Air to sponsor a three-month league, which he hopes to start by month's end. He's setting the bar at 32 players and already about 25 men and women have shown interest. For a registration fee of $50, players will meet twice a week to brush up on their technique and participants will also be guaranteed at least 10 games. There will also be a season ending tournament.

Balla said he'll be sending game results to the NWT Squash Racquet Association, which will keep track of results and player rankings online.

Dangoria will also be working with beginner players, hoping as many as possible will eventually join the league.

Balla's confident the community will embrace an invigorated squash scene.

"The idea is to get a squash community going where you can watch other players and you can get better," he said. "We think there's a lot of potential here."

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