80th National Squash Championship to be held in Mumbai from August 4
HCL Group, in collaboration with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), will host the 80th edition of the National Squash Championships. INR nine lakh has been set as the prize money for the competition.
A total of 670 players from 25 states are all set to compete at the HCL 80th National Squash Championships in Mumbai, scheduled from August 4 to 10 at the Bombay Gymkhana Club.
The last three editions were conducted at The Squash Academy in Chennai. While the 70th National Championships had 417 players from 26 states, the 78th edition witnessed participation from 450 players.
This edition will be an ideal platform to select players for the forthcoming World Squash Federation (WSF) Men’s and Women’s Team Championships, scheduled in December 2024 in Hong Kong.
Maharashtra to have 313 players in the HCL 80th National Squash Championships
Out of 670 players competing in the upcoming edition, Maharashtra leads with 313 players while Karnataka has 51 and Delhi has 40. Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu have 27, 26, and 23 players, respectively, competing this season.
Additionally, this edition will have a women’s over-35 category to encourage more female players to compete in squash and promote a healthy and active lifestyle for women.
The 80th edition of the competition will feature some of the most talented squash players, including Anahat Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar, the champions of the recently concluded 79th National Squash Championships. PSA Challenger title winner in the HCL Squash Tour Indore Leg in May, Rathika Suthanthira Seelan will also compete in this edition.
The prize money distribution for winning players at the 80th National Squash Championships will be held on August 10.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL, had this to say (via Online Media Cafe):
“We are excited to witness more than 600 squash players competing at the HCL 80th National Squash Championship in Mumbai. This overwhelming participation is a testament to the concerted efforts by HCL and SRFI to develop the sport in India. Through our flagship Squash Podium Program, HCL aims to foster the growth of squash by increasing awareness and participation while unlocking the full potential of athletes, coaches, and referees by providing them with global opportunities.”
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), also shared a few words.
“The overwhelming response to this year’s championship is a testament to the growing popularity of squash in India. We anticipate fierce competition and believe this event will inspire countless individuals to take up the sport," he said.