HCL, a leading global conglomerate, announced the successful completion of the 78th National Squash Championship Tournament. It was organized by HCL and the Squash Rackets Federation of India. The championship is hailed as the biggest ground for squash nationwide. It took place at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai from December 4 to 10, 2022. With over 450 players, the tournament witnessed 80 women on the field. Players competed for a total prize of 8.85 Lakh rupees.
Abhay Singh and Joshana Chinappa from Tamil Nadu (Women’s category) bagged the trophies in Men’s category and Women’s category respectively. The top players received ranking points and were included in the National ranking list in the respective age groups.
Top-ranked Indian players participated which includes Joshana Chinappa, Abhay Singh, Akanksha Salunkhe, Urwashi Joshi, and Velavan Senthilkumar. Anahat Singh who represented India as the youngest athlete in the Commonwealth Games 2022 also took part.
Shri N. Ramachandran, a sponsor at the Squash Rackets Federation of India and 7th President of the World Squash Federation, felicitated the winners along with Dr. K. P. Karthikeyan, IAS, Member Secretary of Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and Mr. Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand HCL.
Mr. Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand HCL said that HCL believes in ‘Multiplying Human Potential’ which is reflected in all initiatives that they support including Squash. Focusing on it, HCL has started promoting Squash since 2016 and this year’s national championship is a milestone in the efforts to popularize squash. The national championship was organized as a part of HCL’s ongoing Squash Podium Program aiming to enable more Indian players to earn better rankings and enter the league nationally and internationally.
Mr. Cyrus Poncha, Secretary-General of the Squash Racket Federation of India (SRFI) mentioning the players said that the National Squash Championship has brought players across 20 states to boost their national rankings and compete with international players. India now has the 3rd highest number of players on the PSA/World Ranking list after Egypt and England and the HCL team will continue the efforts to encourage the players’ stability.
Congratulating the HCL team for the event and cheers to the winners and the participants.
