French flair finds its place at AJO

In the furthest corner of the squash courts at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, the murmur in the crowd is somewhat unfamiliar.

It is not cries of “C’MON” or “LET’S GO” which are echoing around other sections of MSAC.

Instead, it’s “Allez!”

That’s because near courts nine and ten, the contingent from New Caledonia have taken residence as a number of their players contend in back-to-back matches late on day two of the Australian Junior Open.

While New Zealand and Pakistan are amongst the most-represented nations outside of the host country at this year’s AJO, New Caledonia has the second highest number of entries.

Making their appearance even more impressive was that their effort to attend the 2024 AJO was thwarted by civil unrest where riots engulfed Noumea. Making the most of their ability to play abroad this year, the playing group will head to New Zealand on Friday to also play in the Oceania Junior Championships.

“For these players it symbolises the effort of one year,” says Florent El Mokni, coach from the Dumbéa Squash Club. “Last year was really rough because we had some riots in New Caledonia, so it’s been a very difficult time to play squash.

“Finally we’re able to come here and go to Hamilton next week so it’s a good opportunity for them to improve, to learn different styles of play and deal with the pressure.”

In addition to the players from Dumbéa, there is also a group from Noumea Squash Club and anyone with the words Nouvelle-Calédonie on their shirt is going to hear some raucous support coming from behind the back wall.

“French people are used to a lot of noise - everywhere around the world we are known for that,” says Florent. “Not all the people are pleased with this but we are used to it.

“For us it is very important to support our friends because even though it’s an individual sport, you have some team effort for a lot of things around. So supporting friends is very important.”

Coming from a city of just 120,000 to playing in one of the sporting capitals of the world, the players and support staff know they are privileged to be on the stage they are performing on both this and next week.

However one thing which has stuck with Florent is not the size of the city but the generosity of the hosts, highlighted by a memory from last year’s Oceania Junior Championships when a legend of the sport took time out to assist a young player doing it tough.  

“Last year we had a kid who had a lot of difficulties to win a match in his draw, playing for 31st or 33rd,” said Florent. “Then, Vicki Cardwell came to see him and gave him some advice - amazing!

“‘She’s a four-time British Open champion!’ I told him, and he was so proud of himself after that!

“These are just some of the good memories that we leave with.”

The players from New Caledonia will be back on court on Tuesday, when day three will decide who qualifies for the semi-finals.

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