- HCL Squash PSA Challenger Indian Tour crowns Egyptian champions as India strengthens its claim on the world squash map
- 48 elite players from nine nations battle for crucial PSA ranking points in Ahmedabad debut
- Equal prize money sets a new benchmark for gender parity in Indian sport
- Indian players gain global exposure as Olympic pathway sharpens ahead of LA 2028
- HCL–SRFI partnership powers India’s rise from national circuits to world stage
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, JAN 31
Men’s champion Seif Refaay of Egypt with compatriot Hazem Hossam and Women’s champion Egypt’s Farida Walid with runner-up India’s Tanvi Khanna at Belvedere Golf and Country Club.-NE photo
The HCL Squash PSA Challenger Indian Tour served up a defining moment for Indian squash as the Ahmedabad leg concluded in emphatic fashion at the Belvedere Golf and Country Club, crowning Egyptian stars Farida Walid and Seif Refaay after five days of relentless, world-class competition on Saturday.
Bringing together 48 elite players from nine countries, the PSA-registered tournament underlined India’s growing stature on the global squash circuit, with international participation from Egypt, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Malta, Iran, and India. The event marked Ahmedabad’s debut on the HCL Squash Indian Tour, following successful editions in Chennai, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
For Indian squash, the message was unmistakable: the pathway from domestic circuits to the global stage is now firmly in place.
Egyptian Dominance, Indian Resolve
In the women’s final, Egypt’s Farida Walid overcame India’s Tanvi Khanna in a gripping five-game encounter, winning 9-11, 13-15, 11-8, 12-10, 11-5. The men’s final saw another dominant Egyptian performance as Seif Refaay defeated compatriot Hazem Hossam 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, reinforcing Egypt’s continued supremacy in the sport. Refaay recently also clinched the British Open U-19 title, adding further weight to his performance in Ahmedabad.
Global Exposure, Ranking Momentum
With PSA World Ranking points at stake, the Ahmedabad leg offered Indian players a rare and valuable opportunity to test themselves against top international opposition without leaving home soil. Hosting PSA-ranked events in India has increasingly become a strategic advantage, enabling domestic players to gain exposure, experience high-pressure match environments, and climb the global rankings more efficiently.
Gender Parity Sets the Standard
The tournament featured an equal prize purse of USD 6,000 for both men and women, a move widely seen as a benchmark moment for gender parity in Indian sport. The parity in prize money reflected a broader commitment to professional excellence and equal opportunity—an essential step in inspiring the next generation of women athletes.
Corporate Backing Fuels the Ecosystem
Rajat Chandolia, AVP & Head – Brand and Strategy, HCL Group, highlighted the deeper significance of the Tour, stressing that consistent international participation and professional standards are vital for India’s squash ambitions.
“The Ahmedabad leg has been a strong addition to the HCL Squash Indian Tour. I congratulate all the winners for giving their best performance. The quality of competition and the response from players reaffirm why expanding the Tour to new cities is so important. At HCL, we remain focused on building consistent, high-performance opportunities that prepare Indian players for success on the global stage, including the road to the 2028 Olympics.”
Chandolia noted that tournaments of this scale not only elevate India’s global standing but also send a powerful signal to young Indian players—that sustained performance on national circuits can now translate directly into international careers. He underlined that long-term corporate support, combined with professional tournament structures, is critical to transforming squash from a niche sport into a mainstream competitive discipline in India.
Federation Support and World-Class Standards
The role of governance and structure was equally crucial. Bhanu Pratap Singh, General Secretary, All Gujarat Rackets Association, pointed to the collective effort behind the scenes.
“Ahmedabad hosting a PSA event reflects the steady growth of India’s domestic squash ecosystem. With sustained support from HCL, the Sports Authority of India, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Tour continues to provide Indian athletes with the competitive depth and international exposure required for long-term success.”
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) played a central role in ensuring world-class standards in officiating, competition design, and athlete experience—an essential foundation if India is to host higher-tier PSA events and potentially global championships in the future.
Eyes on the Olympic Horizon
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, tournaments like the HCL Squash PSA Challenger are now more than standalone competitions—they are strategic building blocks. Finals Day intensity, ranking pressure, and international match play are preparing Indian athletes for the demands of elite global competition.
Since 2016, the HCL–SRFI partnership has delivered over 40 professional tournaments, benefitting more than 1,000 Indian players and significantly strengthening India’s footprint on the world squash map. The successful conclusion of the Ahmedabad leg further cements the HCL Squash Indian Tour as the backbone of India’s squash development programme.
As love-all gives way to match point, India’s case as a serious global squash powerhouse is no longer aspirational—it is actively unfolding.
