Indore's HCL Squash Tour
Indore: HCL, a leading global conglomerate, in collaboration with the Squash Rackets Federation of India, successfully concluded the first leg of the HCL Squash Tour 2024. The PSA level tournament was held at the prestigious Daly College, Indore from May 22 to May 25. The HCL Squash Tour was a part of the ongoing HCL Squash Podium Program aimed at transforming the squash ecosystem in India by giving Indian players an opportunity to compete with top-ranked international players. The players from countries like Egypt, US, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Kuwait and India competed for a prize money of US$ 3000.
The final matches of the HCL Squash Tour saw good competition, with Ravindu Laksiri (Sri Lanka, World Rank 140) facing Om Semwal (India, World Rank 330) in the men’s category and Rathika Suthanthira Seelan (India, World Rank 249), also the top-seed, competing against Pooja Aarthi (India, World Rank 207) in the women’s category. Ravindu Laksiri emerged victorious in the men’s category with a score of 11-4, 11-6, 11-3 while Rathika Seelan triumphed in the women’s category with a score of 11-6, 11-6, 11-4. Both winners were felicitated by His Highness Maharaja Vikram Sinh Puar of Dewas Sr. and Parth Salunkhe, the gold medallist archer at the Youth World Championship.
Rathika Suthanthira Seelan and Ravindu Laksiri’s victories are significant achievements in their careers, further enhancing their reputations on the international squash circuit.
The PSA matches added an extra layer of excitement to the HCL Squash Tour Indore, which has been a focal point for both local and international talent. The continued growth of squash in India and the upcoming legs of the tour in other cities will make the Squash bigger in the coming years.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL said, “The Indore leg of the HCL Squash Tour not only provided a platform for the players from India to compete with international counterparts but also highlighted Indore’s growing significance in the squash arena. HCL, with its recently revamped Squash Podium Program, is committed to promoting squash in India while bringing local and global talent together, providing our players with the best possible platforms to support the growth of our players and the overall Squash sport. In the coming year, four more PSAs will be organised in different cities.”
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), added “This tournament has offered an exceptional opportunity for our players to engage in spirited competition with some of the finest talents worldwide and witnessing such a remarkable level of sportsmanship is truly inspiring. I congratulate Ravindu and Rathuka on their amazing victories. We anticipate that this event will not only fuel the aspirations of numerous young players to pursue squash at a professional level but also significantly contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the sport in India.”
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