In an unique dialog, India’s squash icon Saurav Ghosal opened up about his imaginative and prescient for the game, grassroots growth, and the thrilling new collaborations that intention to make squash extra accessible to the neighborhood.
A New Chapter for Neighborhood Squash
Speaking concerning the occasion, Ghosal expressed his delight on the collaboration: “It is nice to have this platform for myself in addition to for SG Squash to be related to a gaggle just like the Sumadhura Group, attempting to construct areas for the neighborhood and convey collectively high quality names to supply the very best expertise,” he stated.
The partnership is designed to make squash extra approachable on the grassroots stage, offering households and kids entry to world-class teaching and infrastructure proper inside their residential complexes.
“Households at Palais Royale can have entry to the very best teaching potential, whether or not for youths or adults. They will find out how the sport needs to be performed and the philosophy behind it, like creating house on courtroom and hitting into house,” Ghosal defined.
Sumadhura Group, one in every of South India’s most trusted builders, has unveiled the first-ever pioneering collaboration with eight iconic international manufacturers in sports activities, health, wellness, and recreation inside its unique Branded Clubhouses at residential communities in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Breaking the Barrier
Ghosal acknowledged the widespread notion of squash as an elitist sport, emphasizing the significance of taking the sport nearer to the individuals. “Squash has historically been fairly elitist and inaccessible. However bringing it into neighborhood areas by means of housing tasks like Sumadhura Palais Royale helps improve participation. As soon as we clear up the numbers drawback, the subsequent step is enhancing the standard, and that is the place SG Squash is available in,” he stated.
He believes such efforts will create a sustainable mannequin for squash’s progress in India.
India’s Olympic Hopes
When requested about India’s prospects on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the place squash will make its debut, Ghosal supplied a measured but optimistic outlook. “On the ladies’s aspect, I might say Anahat Singh is the brightest prospect. She’s solely 17 however has an unbelievable ceiling. Amongst males, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar, Veer Chotrani, and Ramit Tandon are doing properly,” he famous.
Whereas he cautioned that India is not but able to contend for a medal, Ghosal stays hopeful: “Step one is to qualify. As soon as that occurs, give it your greatest shot and make India proud.”
The Rise of Pickleball and Paddle Sports activities
Addressing the rising reputation of new-age sports activities like pickleball and paddle, Ghosal stated that whereas they’re nice leisure choices, conventional racquet sports activities nonetheless command international status. “Pickleball and paddle have accomplished brilliantly to grow to be social and inclusive sports activities. However competitively, I believe tennis, squash, and badminton will proceed to dominate globally, at the least for now,” he added.
Past the Court docket: Ghosal’s Future Plans
At 38, Saurav Ghosal continues to remain deeply related to squash, whilst he diversifies his skilled portfolio. “I am not seeking to coach full-time but. I am a mentor for JSW Squash and the Athlete First Basis, and I mentor Anahat Singh as properly. I additionally do commentary and work with Vagilitas Sports activities, which manages Lotto footwear and attire in India, South Africa, and Australia,” he stated.
He revealed that new tasks are within the pipeline that may maintain him carefully linked to squash growth each in India and globally.
A Squash League on the Horizon
In a revelation that would excite followers, Ghosal hinted on the creation of an expert squash league, which might rework how the game is consumed in India and worldwide. “We’re engaged on it. It may not be India-specific however relatively a worldwide piece. Hopefully, you may hear about it quickly,” he teased.
As India gears up for squash’s Olympic debut, Ghosal’s management, each on and off the courtroom, might properly be the driving pressure behind the subsequent era of champions.