Mumbai is set to take centre stage in Indian squash as the second edition of the JSW Indian Open begins on March 18 at the iconic CCI Brabourne Stadium.
Over five days, the tournament promises high-quality competition, bringing together India’s leading players and a strong international field in what has quickly become a key fixture on the PSA calendar.
Recognised by the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and organised under the aegis of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), the JSW Indian Open is a PSA Copper event featuring equal prize money for both men and women. With 30 matches scheduled across draws, the tournament offers crucial ranking points while also serving as a vital platform for Indian players to test themselves against global opposition on home soil.
Much of the attention will be on teenage sensation and defending champion Anahat Singh, who returns after a breakthrough year on the PSA Tour. Her rapid rise has made her one of the most exciting prospects in world squash, and playing at home presents both opportunity and expectation.
Anahat will be joined by a strong Indian contingent led by Ramit Tandon, Veer Chotrani, and Abhay Singh in the men’s draw, along with veteran Joshna Chinappa in the women’s section. Each brings a different dimension from Tandon’s experience on the PSA circuit to Chotrani and Abhay’s attacking style, and Chinappa’s tactical discipline built over years at the highest level.
For Indian squash, this tournament is more than just another event it is a reflection of a system gradually building depth and competitiveness.
International Field Adds Edge
The JSW Indian Open also features a formidable international lineup, ensuring that Indian players face high-calibre competition from the early rounds. Names such as Yahya Elnawasnay, Nadien Elhammam, and Enora Villard add depth and unpredictability to both draws. This blend of domestic and international talent is critical. It not only raises the standard of matches but also provides Indian players with exposure to diverse playing styles a key factor in long-term development.
For players like Ramit Tandon, competing in India carries a unique dynamic. While the support of home fans can be energising, it also brings added pressure.
“Players really enjoy coming to India because of the culture and hospitality,” Tandon noted ahead of the event. “Last year, many players on the PSA Tour said this was one of the best events of the year. Playing at home also brings a different kind of pressure with friends, family and Indian fans watching, but it’s also a great opportunity.”
That balance between expectation and opportunity will be central to how Indian players perform over the week.
Anahat Singh echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the importance of preparation and consistency. “I’ve had a strong training period leading into this tournament,” she said. “The focus is to stay consistent and approach every match with the same mindset. Playing at home is always special, and I’m looking forward to giving my best.”
Building Towards Olympic Ambitions
The significance of the JSW Indian Open extends beyond rankings and titles. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, events like this are becoming increasingly important in shaping India’s competitive ecosystem.
Regular exposure to high-level tournaments is essential if Indian players are to bridge the gap with the world’s elite. Hosting PSA events domestically reduces logistical barriers, allows more players to participate, and helps build a culture of competitive excellence within the country.
In that sense, the JSW Indian Open is not just a tournament it is part of a broader strategic push to elevate Indian squash on the global stage.
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The tournament begins on March 18 with opening round matches, followed by the second round and quarterfinals on March 19 and 20. The semifinals are scheduled for March 21, with the finals set to take place on March 22. Fans can catch all the action live on FanCode, while those in Mumbai have the opportunity to experience the matches firsthand at the CCI Brabourne Stadium a venue that adds its own historic charm to the competition.
A Defining Week for Indian Squash
As the JSW Indian Open gets underway, the focus will firmly be on how Indian players perform under pressure against a competitive field. For some, it is a chance to consolidate their position; for others, an opportunity to make a breakthrough. With the home crowd behind them and the stakes steadily rising in the lead-up to the Olympic era, this week in Mumbai could prove to be another important step in the evolution of Indian squash.
The stage is set now it’s about delivering on it.
