No goal impossible to achieve: Dipika Pallikal

CHENNAI: At 22, India's highest ranked female squash player Dipika Pallikal has tasted some incredible success. The Chennai girl who was conferred the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, on Monday, is already dreaming of the Bharat Ratna.
"To win the Bharat Ratna is a dream but obviously there is a lot that must be achieved before I can fulfill it. Awards motivate me to keep doing my best and helps me stay focused despite hardships," Dipika told TOI.
The World No. 12 feels there is no goal that cannot be achieved with single-mined dedication.
"It's a rare honour to receive the country's fourth highest civilian award, and that too at my age. It's a humbling feeling. I'm not stopping here though. I have ventured into motivational talks to inspire others to take to sport and bring fame to the country," she said.
Dipika, who is engaged to cricketer Dinesh Karthik, has set her goals straight this year - to finish in the podium both at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Asked what keeps her motivated, she said: "I have drawn inspiration from several people at various stages of my life. My grandparents were a crucial part of my early years, and of course my parents allowed me to pursue my calling, sacrificing a lot of time and money," added Dipika.