Saurav Ghosal's top 5 performances: A list of the Indian's best outings on the international stage
Saurav Ghosal, one of India's most decorated squash players, has announced his retirement from the PSA Tour. A two-time Asian Games gold medalist, India's first squash player to win the Commonwealth Games, and an ex-World Champion, the veteran still hopes to compete for India, with a dream of representing the country at the LA 2028 Games.
Ghosal announced his retirement from the PSA Tour on his social media, writing that competing on the international stage for the past 22 years was a dream come true.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams, I would play professional squash for so long. I am overwhelmed with emotions as I write this message. This sport has been my passion, my livelihood, and my identity for so many years. So, with a heart filled with pride and a tinge of sadness, I announce my retirement from the PSA," Saurav Ghosal wrote.
As the Indian takes a step back from the international stage, here is a look back at his top five performances over his storied career.
#5 2006 Doha Asian Games
An early sign of the brilliance fans could expect from Saurav Ghosal came in 2006, when the Indian stormed to a bronze at the Doha Asian Games, a first in squash for the country. Ghosal started his campaign in the bottom half of the draw, comfortably disposing of Armando Amante and Kim Dong-wooin in his opening rounds, winning both matches in straight sets.
Next, Ghosal had a slightly trickier draw, playing compatriot Ritwik Bhattacharya. He won the first two games decisively before Bhattacharya forced a fourth by winning the third game 9-6. In the end, the match didn't go the full length, as Ghosal took the win 9-4, 9-0, 6-9, 9-7, laying claim to India's first squash medal at the Asian Games.
#4 2013 World Championships
Saurav Ghosal scripted another first in the history of Indian squash at the 2013 World Championships. Playing in Manchester, England, he made it all the way to the quarterfinals before stumbling, marking the first time an Indian has made it to the top eight of the prestigious event.
In the quarter-finals, Ghosal faced first seed and eventual champion Ramy Ashour. While he put up a strong fight, he went down 9-11, 5-11, 9-11 against the Egyptian.
#3 2014 Incheon Asian Games
A little under a decade after his heroics in Doha, Saurav Ghosal put up another set of inspirational performances at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. The squash star went into the event as the first seed and had an easy time in his opening matches.
In the semi-finals, Ghosal avenged his 2006 loss to Malaysia’s Ong Ben Hee, moving on to the final battle, which he lost to Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Muzayen. This made him the first Indian squash player to win an individual silver at the Asian Games. A handful of days later, the 37-year-old led Indian to a team gold in Incheon.
#2 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Fans were treated to yet another Saurav Ghosal masterclass at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Indian went into the singles event as the third seed, and had a strong start to his campaign, taking out Shamil Wakeel and David Baillargeon in straight sets for his round of 32 and round of 16.
In the quarter-finals, Saurav Ghosal beat eighth seed Greg Lobban, before losing to top seed and eventual winner Paul Coll. In his bronze medal match, he got the better of home favorite James Willstrop in straight games. This marked India's first individual squash medal at the competition.
#1 2022 World Doubles Championships
Another major international title that came Saurav Ghosal’s way in 2022 was the World Doubles Championship gold. Ghosal went into the event alongside partner Dipika Pallikal, clinching the crown after multiple hard-fought battles.