World Squash Championships: Tough Day for India as Tandon, Senthilkumar Exit Early
India endured a difficult outing at the World Squash Championships, with Ramit Tandon and Velavan Senthilkumar exiting in the opening round after contrasting defeats.
The results leave Veer Chotrani as the lone Indian in the men’s draw, while the absence of Indian women competitors further highlights the country’s limited representation at the elite level of the sport. Ramit Tandon faced Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey, currently ranked World No. 21, in a match that fluctuated in momentum but ultimately slipped away from the Indian. Tandon went down 6-11, 11-7, 6-11, 0-11 in four games, a scoreline that reflects both his ability to compete and the inconsistency that proved costly.
The opening game saw Tandon struggle to find rhythm against El Torkey’s pace and shot precision. The Egyptian dictated rallies effectively, forcing errors and taking the first game comfortably. Tandon responded strongly in the second, adjusting his length and tempo to disrupt his opponent’s flow. His improved control and shot selection allowed him to level the match at one game apiece.
However, the third game proved pivotal. Despite moments of competitive rallies, Tandon was unable to sustain pressure, and El Torkey regained control with a disciplined approach. The fourth game saw a complete shift, with the Egyptian dominating proceedings and closing out the match without conceding a point. The 11-0 scoreline in the final game underscored the gap in consistency and finishing ability at crucial stages. Velavan Senthilkumar, ranked World No. 50, faced an even tougher challenge against France’s Victor Crouin, the World No. 5. The Frenchman delivered a clinical performance, winning in straight games 11-8, 11-8, 11-3.
Senthilkumar showed competitive intent in the first two games, staying within reach through aggressive play and quick movement. However, Crouin’s experience and control in high-pressure situations made the difference. The French player managed key points efficiently, particularly in the closing stages of the first two games, preventing Senthilkumar from gaining any foothold in the match. The third game saw Crouin raise his level further, tightening his shot execution and reducing unforced errors. Senthilkumar, unable to match that consistency, fell away as the match progressed, leading to a relatively one-sided finish.
These early exits underline the challenge faced by Indian players at the highest level of squash, where consistency, physical endurance, and precision under pressure are critical. Both Tandon and Senthilkumar demonstrated moments of competitiveness, but the inability to maintain that level across games proved decisive. The only positive for India came a day earlier, when Veer Chotrani secured a hard-fought win in an all-Indian clash against Abhay Singh, the 25th seed. Chotrani edged the match 3-2 (14-12, 8-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-2), showing resilience to recover from a 1-2 deficit.
His victory, however, sets up a daunting challenge in the next round. Chotrani is scheduled to face World No. 1 and defending champion Mostafa Asal in the round of 32. Asal, known for his aggressive and physically dominant style, represents one of the toughest tests in modern squash. For Chotrani, the match will be an opportunity to measure himself against the very best, even as the odds remain heavily stacked against him. Another point of concern for Indian squash is the absence of female representation at the championships. India has historically produced strong women players at the international level, and the lack of participation in a premier event such as the World Championships raises questions about current depth and qualification pathways in the women’s game.
From a broader perspective, the results reflect the gap that still exists between Indian players and the top tier of world squash, dominated by nations like Egypt and France. While Indian players have shown the ability to compete, bridging that gap requires sustained exposure, higher-level match experience, and improvements in consistency. As the tournament progresses, all attention will now be on Veer Chotrani and his upcoming clash against Mostafa Asal. While the challenge is significant, it also presents an opportunity for the young Indian to gain invaluable experience on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
For now, however, India’s campaign at the World Squash Championships has been marked by early exits and a reminder of the demands of competing at the highest level.
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