Squash Rackets Federation of india

POSTED DAE : Sept. 14, 2014

SRFi Supports india's first professional squash circuit

The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFi) enthusiastically endorses the first-ever JSW Indian Squash Challenger Circuit. The circuit – the first professional series in India sanctioned by the sport’s global governing bodies, PSA and WSA – will be played across Jaipur, Mumbai, and Chennai in October. Squash is one of India’s fastest-growing and highest-achieving sports. Recent successes at the international level by Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal, and Joshna Chinappa predict even greater things to come in a sport where India’s talent pool is young and deep.

“This Circuit is the first of its kind in India and will be hugely beneficial to Indian Juniors and budding Professionals who now have an option to play these professional World Tour events and get a world ranking,” said Cyrus Poncha, coach of India’s national squash team, on behalf of the SRFi. “With this being a regular feature on the Indian circuit we can expect lots of players looking to play professionally. This augurs well for Indian squash.”

ndia’s No. 1 Saurav Ghosal (ranked 16th in the world) is also excited that the circuit will be a home-based opportunity for India’s young professional players to get international exposure.

"A series of four events will help the up-and-coming players of India to gain a foothold on the PSA and WSA,” Ghosal said. “The circuit should help produce more professional players, which can only be great for India. The hope is that the JSW Circuit will develop with our players and become bigger with every passing year.”

The circuit will be played in Jaipur, Mumbai and Chennai across the following dates:

Jaipur – 2-5 October at the Jaipur Club
Mumbai – 9-12 October at the Juhu Ville Parle Gymkhana
Mumbai – 16-19 October at the National Sports Club of Indian (NSCI)
Chennai – 26-29 October at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA)

The circuit is sanctioned by the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Women’s Squash Association (WSA), affiliates of the World Squash Federation (WSF), which has more than 1000 players from 80 countries (including 10 Indians) currently registered as professional players.

More voices on the JSW Indian Squash Challenger Circuit

“Exposure to tournaments is one of the best ways to raise the playing standards of Indian squash player. In this regard, the Indian Pro Circuit is an excellent platform for our budding professionals. Kudos to the organisers."– Major S. Maniam, Director of Development and Coaching for the World Squash Federation/Consultant Coach for SRFi and ASF

“The JSW Circuit is one of the best things to happen to Indian squash for decades.”– Ritwik Bhattacharya, Five-time national champion/ PSA/WSA Representative for Asia

“I am delighted that we finally have a squash circuit in India. This is truly a massive boost for Indian squash and would like to thank JSW for supporting our tour. I look forward to be a part of many top events in India in the future with their continued support.”– Joshna Chinappa, Gold Medalist, Commonwealth Games

“JSW has always been pro sport and pro squash and this new circuit is a defining moment in Indian squash from the player perspective. We are excited to be an integral part of the process.”