Tamil Nadu’s Double Victory in Squash, Goa Wins Women’s Singles Gold, Maharashtra Triumphs in Team Event at Squash in National Games 2025
The squash events at the 38th National Games were held at the Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar in Dehradun from January 30 to February 3, 2025.
With 131 participants across four events, the competition was fierce, and the excitement was palpable.
The venue quickly transformed into a battleground for some of India’s finest squash talent.
So, what made this event truly stand out? The incredible performances and the unwavering spirit of the athletes!
Tamil Nadu’s Double Victory in Squash
Velavan Senthilkumar: Bringing Gold to Tamil Nadu
On the men’s side, Velavan Senthilkumar, India’s No. 2, powered through the competition with sheer mastery, securing a commanding 3-0 win over Maharashtra’s Rahul Baitha in the finals.
This victory earned him the gold in the men’s individual event.
Men’s Individual Squash Results:
Gold: Velavan Senthilkumar (Tamil Nadu) – Ranked 44th in the World Squash Rankings, Velavan emerged victorious in the men’s individual event.
Silver: Rahul Baitha (Maharashtra) – Showed resilience but couldn’t quite match Velavan’s fire.
Bronze: Suraj Chand (Maharashtra) and Abhay Singh (Tamil Nadu) – Both fought tooth and nail for the bronze, solidifying their places among the nation’s best.
Tamil Nadu Triumphs in Men’s Team Event
Tamil Nadu continued its dominance in the team events as well.
Their powerhouse team of Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar, Guhan Senthilkumar, and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu overpowered Maharashtra with a 2-0 victory, claiming the gold.
Maharashtra took home the silver, while Madhya Pradesh and the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) both earned bronze in hard-fought encounters.
Goa’s Triumph in Women’s Singles
Akanksha Salunkhe: Goa’s Golden Girl Shines Again
At the forefront of the women’s squash competition was Goa’s very own Akanksha Salunkhe, whose journey through the National Games was nothing short of extraordinary.
On Monday, she delivered a stunning performance, crushing Maharashtra’s Anjali Semwal – India’s No. 4 – in straight sets.
This gold medal in the women’s singles was Akanksha second consecutive victory at the National Games, having also triumphed in Goa in 2023.
The 26-year-old from Goa, ranked 65th in the world, displayed exceptional skill and tenacity, breezing through the tournament without dropping a single game.
Backed by the Olympic Gold Quest, Akanksha has become a force to be reckoned with, and her dazzling form has firmly established her as one of India’s brightest squash prospects.
Women’s Individual Squash Results:
Gold: Akanksha Salunkhe (Goa) – A dominant display from start to finish!
Silver: Anjali Semwal (Maharashtra) – Pushed hard but couldn’t quite keep up with Akanksha’s relentless pace.
Bronze: Rathika Suthanthira Seelan and Pooja ArthiRaghu (Tamil Nadu) – Both showcased skill and determination but had to settle for bronze.
Maharashtra Triumphs in Women’s Team Event
In the Women’s Team Event, Maharashtra emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Tamil Nadu, clinching the gold with the team of Anjali Semwal, Akanksha Gupta, Anika Dubey, and Sunita Patel. Tamil Nadu, represented by Pooja Arthi Raghu, Rathika Seelan, Shameena Riaz, and Deepika V., took home the silver.
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh secured the bronze in tightly contested matches.
A Glimpse into the Future
The 38th National Games in Dehradun showcased the best of Indian squash talent. From the remarkable individual performances to the intense team showdowns, every participant demonstrated the heart and passion that make this sport so thrilling.
As squash continues to grow in India, the future looks incredibly bright, especially with the sport making its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The remarkable athletes competing at this year’s National Games are setting the stage for even greater success on the world’s biggest sporting stage!
