Mumbai: HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, in collaboration with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), is all set to host the HCL 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 HCL 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 HCL 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 playersfrom 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.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL, said, “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), 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.
