The opening round of the JSW Indian Open 2026 in Mumbai delivered exactly what top-tier squash promises intensity, resilience, and moments of individual brilliance.
At the centre of it all was 22-year-old Om Semwal, who produced one of the most gripping performances of the tournament so far, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Mexico’s higher-ranked Sebastian Salazar in a five-set thriller.
In a contest that swung dramatically across phases, Semwal emerged victorious 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 19-17), saving five match points and sealing the decider in his sixth attempt. It was not just a win—it was a statement of composure under pressure and a reflection of the growing depth in Indian men’s squash.
Semwal started strongly, taking the first two games with controlled aggression and sharp court coverage. His ability to dictate rallies early on put Salazar on the back foot, as the Indian looked set for a straight-games victory. However, the match turned as Salazar adjusted his tempo, forcing longer rallies and exploiting slight lapses in Semwal’s consistency. The Mexican clawed his way back into the contest, taking the third and fourth games to level the match at 2-2.
The fifth game, though, elevated the contest into a test of mental endurance. Trailing 7-10 and facing three match points initially, Semwal dug deep, saving each one with precise shot selection and remarkable defensive retrievals. Even as Salazar continued to create opportunities, Semwal refused to concede, eventually saving a total of five match points.
The decider stretched into extended play, with both players pushing beyond conventional limits. At 17-17, the pressure was immense, but Semwal held his nerve to win the final two points and complete a memorable 19-17 victory. For Indian squash, this result is significant. Wins of this nature against higher-ranked international opponents are often the turning point in a player’s career. For Semwal, this could well be that moment.
Tanvi Khanna Advances with Authority
In the women’s draw, India’s third-ranked player Tanvi Khanna also progressed to the second round with a solid 3-1 win over Germany’s Maya Weishar. While the scoreline suggests control, the match was far from straightforward.
Weishar pushed Khanna with her consistency and movement, particularly in the longer rallies. However, Khanna’s ability to raise her intensity at crucial moments proved decisive. She combined aggressive shot-making with disciplined court positioning to close out the match in four games. Her next challenge will be significantly tougher, as she faces seventh seed Nour Khafagy of Egypt. With a 0-2 head-to-head record against the Egyptian, Khanna will need to elevate her game further to progress.
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While Semwal and Khanna provided the highlights, the opening round also saw mixed results for the Indian contingent. Suraj Kumar Chand fell to Egypt’s Ibrahim Elkabbani in four games, despite taking the opening game 14-12.
After a promising start, Chand struggled to maintain momentum as Elkabbani asserted control, winning the next three games convincingly. The result highlighted the gap that still exists between emerging Indian players and the established Egyptian system, which continues to dominate global squash.
International Contenders Impress
Elsewhere in the draw, several international players delivered strong performances. Egypt’s Yassin Shohdy recovered from a slow start to defeat France’s Manuel Paquemar 3-1, showcasing the depth and resilience typical of Egyptian players. Switzerland’s Ambre Allinckx secured a composed 3-1 win over the Netherlands’ Tessa ter Sluis, while Hong Kong’s Chi Him Wong cruised past India’s Ayaan Vaziralli in straight games.
In the women’s matches, Sofia Mateos, Matthew Lai, and Danielle Ray all registered comfortable victories, underlining the competitive standard across the tournament.
What This Means for Indian Squash
The JSW Indian Open continues to serve as a crucial platform for Indian players to test themselves against international opposition. Performances like Semwal’s not only boost individual confidence but also signal the gradual rise of Indian squash beyond its established names.
For years, the sport in India has relied on a few elite players to carry its international presence. However, the emergence of younger players capable of delivering under pressure suggests a broader base of talent is beginning to develop. At the same time, results like Chand’s loss serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done particularly in bridging the gap with dominant squash nations like Egypt.
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As the tournament progresses into the second round, the level of competition is expected to intensify. For Indian players, consistency will be key building on strong performances while addressing areas of weakness.
Semwal’s victory, in particular, will be one to watch. Matches of such intensity often have a lasting impact on a player’s mindset and trajectory. If he can carry this momentum forward, he could emerge as one of the standout performers of the tournament. For now, though, the opening round has delivered a clear message Indian squash is evolving, and its next generation is ready to fight, point by point, against the best in the world.
