Indian men’s squash continued its upward surge as Velavan Senthilkumar captured his 10th PSA Tour title, overcoming Egypt’s Adam Hawal in the final of the PSA Challenger 4th Indian Tour in Chennai.
Playing in front of a supportive home crowd, the top-seeded Indian delivered a composed and authoritative performance, winning the final 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 in a match that underlined his consistency and growing maturity on the professional circuit.
The title in Chennai further cements Velavan’s position as one of India’s most reliable performers on the Challenger Tour, while also highlighting his steady progress against a field that featured strong representation from Egypt, France, Brazil, Australia and Israel.
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The title clash against Adam Hawal promised intensity, and it delivered just that. Hawal had produced a solid run through the draw, eliminating second seed Veer Chotrani in the quarter-finals and backing it up with a confident semi-final victory. However, Velavan’s tactical discipline and ability to raise his level in key phases proved decisive.
Velavan started sharply, taking the first game 11-7 by controlling the T and forcing Hawal into defensive retrieves. The second game was tighter, with Hawal testing Velavan’s movement and counter-attacking game, but the Indian edged it 11-9 with better shot selection in the closing rallies.
Hawal briefly threatened a comeback by claiming the third game 11-9, capitalising on a slight dip in intensity and extending rallies effectively. But any hopes of a prolonged battle were firmly shut down in the fourth game. Velavan responded with clarity and aggression, racing away to an 11-4 win to seal the match and the title in emphatic fashion.
A Near-Flawless Run Through the Tournament
Velavan’s title in Chennai was built on consistency across rounds rather than a single standout performance. As the top seed, he enjoyed a first-round bye before beginning his campaign in the second round against Ravindu Laksiri of Sri Lanka. The Indian settled quickly, securing a straight-games win 11-7, 11-8, 11-7, laying the foundation for the week ahead. In the quarter-finals, Velavan faced Joseph White of Australia, and once again displayed control and efficiency. Winning 11-9, 11-3, 11-5 in just 30 minutes, he dictated play throughout, using depth and variation to break down resistance.
The semi-final against Macéo Lévy of France proved to be his stiffest test. Lévy pushed Velavan across four games, but the Indian responded with composure, closing out the match 13-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7 in a contest that showcased Velavan’s ability to manage momentum shifts and recover quickly after setbacks.
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This victory marks Tour title No. 10 for Velavan Senthilkumar, a significant milestone that reflects years of steady progression since his junior days. While he has often spoken about the need to convert strong performances into titles, Chennai provided another example of his ability to do just that on home soil.
What stands out is not just the number of titles, but the manner in which Velavan is winning them. His game has become more measured, his shot choices more refined, and his ability to close matches increasingly assured. Against Hawal in the final, there was a clear sense of control, even when the Egyptian briefly seized momentum.
The Chennai Challenger also highlighted the depth of Indian men’s squash. Alongside Velavan’s title, players like Veer Chotrani, Yash Fadte, and Suraj Kumar Chand featured prominently in the draw, gaining valuable match exposure against international opponents. The event served as an important platform for Indian players to test themselves against diverse playing styles without leaving home conditions.
For Velavan Senthilkumar, the Chennai triumph adds momentum as he looks toward higher-tier PSA events and tougher international fields. Each Challenger title not only adds ranking points, but also confidence a factor that becomes crucial when stepping up against top-50 and top-30 players regularly.
Winning at home always carries added pressure, but Velavan handled it with maturity and assurance. His ability to meet expectations and deliver a title reinforces his status as a leader of India’s men’s squash contingent.
With 10 PSA titles now to his name, Velavan Senthilkumar continues to build a body of work that speaks of consistency, resilience, and upward ambition.
The Chennai victory was not just another trophy it was another clear signal that Indian men’s squash is progressing steadily, with Velavan very much at its forefront.
