Dipika Pallikal Karthik
Dipika Pallikal Karthik

Dipika Pallikal Karthik: Life History and Timeline

Real Name: Dipika Rebecca Pallikal
Date of Birth: September 21, 1991
Birth Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Residence: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Profession: Professional Squash Player
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Christianity
Partner: Dinesh Karthik (Indian cricketer, married in 2015)
Father: Sanjiv Pallikal (Businessman)
Mother: Susan Pallikal (Former Indian women’s cricketer)
Horoscope: Virgo
Age: 33 years (as of 2025)
Body Measurements: 34-26-36 inches
Bra Size: 34B
Hip Size: 36 inches
Weight: Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs)
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black

 

 

 

 


Early Years and Family Background

Dipika Pallikal was born in Chennai into a sports-oriented family. Her mother, Susan Pallikal, was a member of the Indian women’s cricket team, which inspired Dipika to pursue sports from an early age. Growing up in Chennai, Dipika initially dabbled in multiple sports before discovering her passion for squash at the age of 10.

Dipika attended Lady Andal Venkatasubba Rao Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai and later went on to pursue her higher education at Ethiraj College for Women. Despite the challenges of balancing academics and a demanding sports schedule, Dipika displayed immense determination.


Career Beginnings

Dipika began her squash career young and quickly made waves in the junior circuit. She gained recognition internationally by competing in prestigious tournaments and rose through the ranks in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings. Her hard work bore fruit when she won her first junior title in Europe, a significant milestone in her early career.


Rise to Stardom

  • First Major Win: Dipika entered the scene with her victory at the British Junior Open Squash in the Under-17 category.
  • Professional Milestones: She became the first Indian woman to break into the top 10 of the PSA World Rankings in December 2012. Her success inspired a new generation of Indian squash players.
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Won multiple titles on the PSA tour.
    • Bronze medals at the 2014 Asian Games in individual and team categories.
    • Gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) in the doubles event, partnering with Joshna Chinappa, marking a historic win for India in squash.
  • Challenges: Dipika faced several challenges, including injuries and the lack of adequate infrastructure for squash in India. She was also vocal about the disparity in treatment between squash and other sports in India.

Personal Life

Dipika married Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik in August 2015 in a traditional Christian ceremony, followed by a Hindu ceremony. The couple is known for supporting each other’s careers and maintaining a strong bond despite their busy schedules. In 2021, the couple welcomed twin sons, adding joy to their personal lives.


Ups and Downs

  • Highs:
    • Breaking into the top 10 in world rankings, a first for an Indian woman.
    • Representing India on the global stage and earning medals at prestigious events.
    • Advocating for better recognition of squash in India.
  • Lows:
    • Struggling with injuries that affected her performance.
    • Battling against limited visibility and resources for squash as compared to other sports in India.

Recent Years and Legacy

Dipika has continued to remain a prominent figure in Indian squash, mentoring young athletes and promoting the sport. Despite scaling down her competitive appearances post-2019 to focus on family life, her contribution to Indian squash remains unparalleled.


Conclusion

Dipika Pallikal Karthik’s journey is a testament to determination and resilience. From overcoming systemic challenges in Indian sports to setting new benchmarks for Indian women in squash, her story is one of grit, passion, and success. As a trailblazer, she has left an indelible mark on Indian sports and continues to inspire young athletes.