Chennai Leg of HCL Squash Tour & Southern Slam comes to end with participation of more players
- 47 players participated in the PSA level HCL Squash Tour and more than 254 Players competed in HCL Southern Slam
- HCL plans to organize three more PSA Challenger Tournaments alongside three zonal-level slams in different cities till March 2025
- After Indore, Chennai was the second leg of this PSA level HCL Squash Tour
Chennai, June 08th 2024: To enhance the squash ecosystem in India, HCL, a leading global conglomerate, along with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), successfully concluded the second leg of its multicity Indian Squash Tour in Chennai. This tour, part of HCL’s Squash Podium Program, aimed to provide Indian players an opportunity to compete against the world’s best on their home turf and gain international ranking points.
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| Left to Right: Dr. Arumugam S, Ishaan Bhatnagar, Ravindu Laksiri (Sri Lanka), Anahat Singh (India), Rathika Seelan (IND), Rajat Chandolia (HCL) |
The HCL Southern Slam was held at the Indian Squash Academy, from June 04 to June 08, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit among players. The top squash talents, including Ravindu Laksiri (World Rank 142), Anahat Singh (U19 & World Rank 114), Rathika Suthanthira (World Rank 170), Rahul Baith (World Rank 206), Vedant Patel (World Rank 316), and Om Semwal (World Rank 279), compete for a $3K prize money in both the PSA Men and Women categories.
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The Southern Slam and HCL Squash Tour provided a unique platform for young players to compete against best of the talents, gaining experience and enhancing their Asian and World ranking points respectively. Some of the key victories include Anahat Singh (India) winning in Southern Slam U-19 and women’s category of HCL Squash Tour and Ravindu Laksiri (Sri Lanka) winning in Men’s category.
The tournament's success was celebrated at the closing ceremony, attended by esteemed guests including Ishaan Bhatnagar, member of Olympic Gold Quest and gold medallist Badminton player and Dr. Arumugam S. who is Director of Sri Ramachandra Centre of Sports Science.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL, reaffirmed HCL’s commitment to squash “Our commitment to the Southern Slam and PSA Challenger underscores our dedication to elevating squash in India. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide young players with invaluable opportunities to compete on an international stage, showcasing their dedication and talent. The performances we’ve seen here in Chennai are a testament to their hard work and passion. We are proud to support their journeys and are determined to expand the squash community to more cities, fostering growth and excellence in the sport across the nation.”
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General at Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), "The Southern Slam and PSA Challenger in Chennai are not just tournaments, they are vital platforms that bring together young and seasoned talents from across the globe. These tournaments offer a competitive arena where our athletes can test their skills against the best, gain invaluable experience, and showcase their prowess on an international stage. The enthusiasm and energy surrounding these tournaments are palpable, and they underscore a bright future for squash in India.”
In recent years, the Squash Capital has undergone a transformation in its squash facilities, cementing its position as a key hub within the central region of India. The city has continuously hosted various squash tournaments, including the successful Squash World Cup and National Doubles Championship. The culmination of events like the HCL Southern Slam & PSA Challenger Tour in Chennai marks a pivotal moment, symbolizing the city's growing influence within the squash community.
