Signalling a new chapter for Indian squash ahead of its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, HCL, in partnership with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), has announced the HCL India Squash Tour 2025–26 an expanded, six-city PSA Challenger circuit with a record prize pool and broader opportunities for homegrown athletes to earn critical international ranking points.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the revamped tour now stretches across Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, with Ahmedabad and Bengaluru joining the circuit for the first time. This strategic move aims to bring international-calibre squash closer to players across regions, reducing the need for costly overseas travel while strengthening India’s standing in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world rankings.
Bigger Prize Pool, Higher Stakes
The new season will feature:
- One PSA Challenger 15K event (Chennai)
- Two PSA Challenger 9K events (Jaipur, Mumbai)
- Three PSA Challenger 6K events (Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad)
All events will award equal prize money to men and women, reflecting the sport’s commitment to inclusivity. Champions will take home USD 15,000, 9,000, or 6,000 based on the event tier, with each leg following a 24-player knockout format. The top eight seeds will receive byes into the second round, and all events remain open to PSA-registered players aged 15 and above.
The expanded tour is supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, who continue to focus on growing the PSA circuit presence and grassroots participation in India.
Leaders Speak: Pathway to LA 2028
Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President and Head of Brand, HCL Group, emphasized the strategic impact:
“We have stepped up to higher-tier events so that Indian players can earn meaningful PSA points and face tougher global competition without needing to travel abroad. With squash making its Olympic debut at LA 2028, we are focused on creating a structured pipeline that helps Indian players thrive on the world stage.”
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General, SRFI, highlighted the long-term collaboration:
“We are immensely grateful to the Ministry, SAI, and our partner HCL. Since 2016, their support has transformed Indian squash — from raising global rankings to historic international victories. The expanded prize money and new cities will accelerate development, help more players earn PSA points, and prepare for events like the Olympics.”
Rising Stars and Recent Successes
The announcement arrives during an exceptional period for Indian squash:
- Anahat Singh, who began her PSA career in January 2024 ranked 129, now stands at World No. 54 and recently claimed a historic bronze at the World Junior Squash Championships.
- Abhay Singh surged from the 200s to a career-best World No. 35.
- Ramit Tandon (No. 28), Velavan Senthil Kumar (No. 39), Veer Chotrani (No. 62), and Tanvi Khanna (No. 69) are steadily climbing the world rankings.
Since partnering with SRFI, HCL has introduced structured coaching, referee development, and grassroots talent programs. The HCL Squash Program, launched in 2019, has become a cornerstone of India’s squash ecosystem, echoing HCL’s larger vision of ‘Human Potential. Multiplied.’
Beyond Rankings: Impact on India’s Medal Tally
This sustained investment has reflected in India’s performance at multi-sport events:
- Increase from 11 to 18 medals across the Asian and Commonwealth Games since 2016.
- Recent hat-trick of gold medals at the 2025 Asian Doubles Squash Championships.
Beyond squash, HCL’s commitment to sports also spans disciplines like bridge and cyclothon championing the idea that sport, both mental and physical, can unlock human potential.
HCL India Squash Tour 2025–26 Schedule
Jaipur – August 4-8
Mumbai – September 8-12
Bengaluru – September 26-31
Chennai – December 1-5
Ahmedabad – January 27-31, 2026
Delhi – February 3-7, 2026
With squash set for its historic Olympic debut in 2028, the HCL India Squash Tour 2025–26 isn’t just another domestic circuit it’s a carefully structured launchpad. By increasing prize money, adding cities, and ensuring parity, the Tour aims to transform Indian squash from a niche sport to a broader, more competitive and inclusive movement.
As more players break into the global top 100 and taste success on PSA tours, the sport’s footprint in India continues to expand powered by strategic partnerships, rising talent, and an eye firmly set on the Olympic podium.
