80th National Squash Championship Set to Commence at Bombay Gymkhana Club with Record Participation

• A total of 670 players from 25 states to participate, the highest number of entries recorded

• Women-over-35 years category introduced in the National Squash Championship

• Championship serves as a selection platform for the World Squash Federation (WSF) Men’s and Women’s Team Championships scheduled for December 2024 in Hong Kong.

Anahat Singh. 

Khel Today Bureau

Mumbai: The  Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) is all set to host the 80th National Championship at the prestigious Bombay Gymkhana Club in Mumbai from August 04th – 10th August 2024. This year’s championship marks a historic milestone with an unprecedented number of 670 participants, solidifying its position as the largest national squash event in India with a prize pool of 9 Lakh Rupees.

The revival of the National Championships in Mumbai after a 17-year hiatus, since 2007, is expected to reignite the city’s passion for squash. The city’s rich sporting heritage and passion for squash make it the perfect stage for this prestigious event. The championship will feature an impressive line-up of matches, featuring top talents, including recent Nationals champions Anahat Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar at the  79th National Squash Championships held at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy (ISTA), as well as Rathika Suthanthira Seelan who won her maiden PSA Challenger title in the Indore leg of the Squash Tour in May.

The last three national squash championships were held at The Squash Academy in Chennai. The 78th National Championship saw a total participation of 450 players, while the 79th National Championship featured 417 players from 26 states.

This championship will feature a diverse group of 670 players from 25 states representing the growing popularity of squash across the nation. Maharashtra leads the participation with an impressive 313 players, followed by Karnataka with 51, and Delhi with 40. Other notable representations include Uttar Pradesh with 27 players, Jammu and Kashmir with 26, and Tamil Nadu with 23. The introduction of a women’s over-35 category marks a significant step forward in encouraging greater female participation in squash and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for women.

The championship serves as a crucial selection platform for the World Squash Federation (WSF) Men’s and Women’s Team Championships scheduled for December 2024 in Hong Kong. 

Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), added, “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.”

The finale and prize distribution ceremony is planned for 10th August, promising an exciting conclusion to the event.

About SRFI 

The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) was formed to oversee the promotion and development of the sport in India. The SRFI has more than 24 state associations and affiliated units with its headquarters in Chennai. The federation is affiliated to World Squash Federation / Asian Squash Federation, Indian Olympic Association & recognized by Government of India. SRFI has been forging ahead with dynamic plans ensuring promotion, development, and performance of the sport at all levels.