Hyderabad has made remarkable strides in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, setting a new benchmark with its first-of-its-kind solar-roof cycling track. This solar roof not only powers the track but also contributes to a greener future, reinforcing the city’s commitment to active mobility and environmental sustainability. HCL Cyclothon’s arrival in Hyderabad adds momentum to the city’s vision of becoming a model for safer and greener urban living.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS., Special Chief Secretary of Department of ITE&C and Department of I&C of the Government of Telangana graced the launch event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President and Head of Brand & Strategy at HCL Group and Mr. P. Malla Reddy, Vice Presidentat the Cycling Federation of India were also present to announce the initiative.

The theme of HCL Cyclothon 2024 is #ChangeYourGear, emphasizing the transformative power of cycling and its positive impact on individual well-being and environmental sustainability. Participation will happen in three key categories: Professionals, Amateurs and Green Ride.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS., Special Chief Secretary of Department of ITE&C and Department of I&C of the Government of Telangana, said, “In Hyderabad, there is a growing enthusiasm for cycling, with infrastructure gradually expanding to meet this rising demand. The city has made remarkable strides in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, setting a new benchmark with its first-of-its-kind solar-roof cycling track. The HCL Cyclothon coming to Hyderabad is a commendable initiative that encourages people to embrace cycling for a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable environment. This aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming Hyderabad into a model city for cycling, focusing on safety, sustainability, and active living.”

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President and Head of Brand & Strategy at HCL Group, said, “Cycling represents the next frontier in unlocking both human potential and urban sustainability, as recent studies have shown. At HCL, we see this as an excellent opportunity not only to promote physical fitness but also to inspire a broader cultural shift toward healthier, more sustainable urban living. Through initiatives like the Cyclothon, we aim to empower individuals while contributing to the development of a safer, greener Hyderabad. The potential for transformation is immense, and we are dedicated to driving this change forward.”

Remarking on the launch announcement, P. Malla Reddy, Vice President, Cycling Federation of India said, “HCL and CFI share a vision that goes beyond cycling as a lifestyle, aiming to elevate it into a competitive sport. The growth of cycling in India is truly inspiring, and with HCL’s leadership and investment, we are on the cusp of an exciting new chapter for the sport.”

HCL Cyclothon aims to provide a platform for professional and amateur cyclists to showcase their talent and inspire a new generation to take up cycling as a sport in India.

The category details are as follows:

What is ‘Ikshana’?

‘Ikshana’, derived from the Sanskrit word for “perspective,” offers a fresh and profound interpretation of the environmental challenges we face. Directed and choreographed by renowned Bharatanatyam artist Tanya Saxena, the series creatively presents the climate crisis from unconventional narrators like a plastic bottle, urging audiences to rethink their role in environmental degradation.

The performance is grounded in the concept of Pancha-bhootas, representing the five classical elements of nature—earth, water, fire, air, and space. The choreography delves into the harmful impacts of deforestation, overconsumption, industrialization, and fossil fuel dependence, all while blending traditional Bharatanatyam with modern environmental activism.

A Call to Action Through Dance

Anshul Adhikari, Head of HCL Concerts, explained the vision behind the series: “Ikshana is not just a dance performance; it is a wake-up call. We are combining the timeless art of Bharatanatyam with the pressing issue of the climate crisis to raise awareness in an impactful way. Tanya Saxena’s choreography transcends cultural boundaries, creating a deep connection with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Our hope is to inspire action and dialogue around sustainability through this artistic endeavor.”

Choreographer’s Insight

Tanya Saxena, who both directed and choreographed ‘Ikshana’, shared her thoughts on the project: “This performance is a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, communicated through the timeless language of Bharatanatyam. By personifying objects and elements that silently witness environmental destruction, we aim to evoke a deep sense of responsibility in every viewer. The performance is not just about aesthetics but about raising awareness of how our actions affect the environment. I am truly thankful to HCL Concerts for supporting this vision and helping bring this message to life.”

Performance Schedule

The series will travel across the following cities and venues:

A Fusion of Tradition and Modern Awareness

With ‘Ikshana’, HCL Concerts reaffirms its dedication to promoting Indian classical arts while using them as a platform to address global challenges. This series not only preserves the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam but also encourages reflection on how modern lifestyles affect our planet. ‘Ikshana’ is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, merging art and advocacy in a meaningful and powerful way.

Follow for more information.

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• X

Kolkata: The HCL Eastern Slam kicked off on monday at the prestigious Calcutta Rackets Club in Kolkata. The event began with qualification matches for the junior categories, starting at 12:00 PM and concluding at 6:30 PM. The players exhibited tremendous skill and determination, setting an exciting tone for the tournament.

Key highlights from today’s matches include:

• BU11: Ridaan Gupta (1) triumphed over Nevaan Bothra with a dominant 11-4, 11-0, 11-0 scoreline. Veer Haralalka had a thrilling 5-set victory over Kian George, securing a 16-14 win in the final game.

• BU13: Bhavy Arjaria overcame Aarav Tulsian in a competitive match, with the score ending 11-2, 8-11, 11-0, 11-5. Aniruddh Rajesh showed impressive form, defeating Viraj Poddar in straight sets.

• BU15: Anay Nayar, Raghavendra Thirani, and Yusuf Pardiwala were among the standout performers, winning their matches with strong performances.

• BU19: Gurveer Singh had a comfortable victory against Advay Bhuwalka, winning 11-4, 11-1, 11-1.

The excitement continues with the commencement of the PSA Challenger Tour for both Men and Women, alongside further junior category matches today onwards.

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.”

In the Under-17 semifinal, Akanksha Gupta (IND) overcame Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) 8-11, 9-11, 6-11 while Shamil Wakeel (SRI) defeated Om Semwal (IND) 13-11, 11-9, 9-11,5- 11,9-11.

The finals will be held on Sunday. Those confirmed to be present in the finals, are Vikram Singh Puwar, Dewas senior, Parth Salunkhe, gold medalist of Youth World Championship Rajat Chandolia, associate vice president of HCL and Sanjeev Shrivastva, vice-president of Madhya Pradesh Squash Rackets Association.

Match Highlights:

Girls Under 19 Category:

  – Diya Dhillon delivered a strong performance against Durga Hiru Paradhi, winning 11-4, 11-2, 11-7.

  – Nirupama Dubey, seeded second, displayed her prowess with a decisive victory over Garima Nagar, cruising to a win with scores of 11-3, 11-3, 11-1.

Boys Under 19 Action:

  – *Priyanshu Kumar*, the top seed, faced a challenging match against Omkar Vinod but emerged victorious with scores of 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 12-10.

  – Abhiraj Singh, in the 5/8 seed bracket, also secured a win against Abhinav Singh with scores of 11-8, 11-5, 11-3.

Girls Under 17 Confrontations:

  – *Eesha Shrivastava*, the number one seed, showed dominance with a swift victory over Kuhu Parakh, winning 11-3, 11-2, 11-1.

  – *Ritwika Singh Bundela*, seeded second, trounced Katyayani Saktawat with overwhelming scores of 11-1, 11-1, 11-0.

Boys Under 17 Challenges:

  – Purav Rambhia, seeded first, continued his strong performance with a solid win over Yuvaditya Jain, recording scores of 11-4, 11-8, 11-6.

  – Arjun Ramdas, another second seed, battled through an intense match against Ritwik Singh Bundela, finally prevailing after Ritwik retired during the match at 13-11.

Girls Under 15 Stalwarts:

  – Aadya Budhia, the top seed, dismantled Kimaayra Jain with a powerful display, winning 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.

  – Fabiha Nafees, seeded second, defeated Aaravi Raina with convincing scores of 11-6, 11-3, 11-4.

These matches are just a glimpse of the fierce competition and the Main draw for HCL 14th Indian Junior Open are starting tomorrow.

HCL Squash Tour Indore 2024 – Day 3 Quarterfinals Highlights

The HCL Squash Tour in Indore moved into an exciting phase with the quarterfinals bringing some intense matchups on Day 3. The competition at Daly College saw top players from different countries clashing, each aiming for a spot in the semifinals. Here are the highlights from the quarterfinal matches:

Match Highlights:

– Rathika Suthanthira Seelan vs. Navya Sundararajan (IND): Top-seeded Rathika continued her dominant form, overcoming Navya Sundararajan in a competitive four-set match, winning 11-2, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6. Rathika’s agility and tactical play were on full display, setting her up for a strong semifinal appearance.

– Ravindu Laksiri (SRI) vs. Diwakar Singh (IND): In a nail-biting match, Ravindu Laksiri fought hard against wildcard entry Diwakar Singh, eventually securing a victory with scores of 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-8. Laksiri’s recovery after dropping the first game showcased his resilience and championship mentality.

– Yeheni Kuruppu (SRI) vs. Akanksha Gupta (IND): Akanksha Gupta pulled off an upset against the third seed, Yeheni Kuruppu, in a thrilling five-setter, winning 7-11, 11-1, 7-11, 11-4, 10-12. Gupta’s perseverance and strategic execution under pressure were commendable, earning her a memorable victory.

– Nirupama Dubey (IND) vs. Anjali Semwal (IND): This all-Indian clash saw Nirupama Dubey triumph over Anjali Semwal in a five-game thriller, with scores of 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 6-11, 11-3. Dubey’s ability to come back strong in the final game demonstrated her mental toughness and skill.

– Vedant Patel (IND) vs. Arihant K S (IND): Vedant Patel emerged victorious in the longest match of the day, a gripping five-set encounter against Arihant K S, with the final scores reading 8-11, 12-14, 13-11, 11-8, 11-9. Patel’s stamina and strategic adjustments throughout the match were key to his success. These matches set the stage for an exciting semifinal round, with players showing great skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The HCL Squash Tour in Indore continues to be a showcase of top-tier squash, providing thrilling entertainment for all fans of the sport.

Match Highlights:

Girls Under 19 Category:

  – Diya Dhillon delivered a strong performance against Durga Hiru Paradhi, winning 11-4, 11-2, 11-7.

  – Nirupama Dubey, seeded second, displayed her prowess with a decisive victory over Garima Nagar, cruising to a win with scores of 11-3, 11-3, 11-1.

Boys Under 19 Action:

  – *Priyanshu Kumar*, the top seed, faced a challenging match against Omkar Vinod but emerged victorious with scores of 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 12-10.

  – Abhiraj Singh, in the 5/8 seed bracket, also secured a win against Abhinav Singh with scores of 11-8, 11-5, 11-3.

Girls Under 17 Confrontations:

  – *Eesha Shrivastava*, the number one seed, showed dominance with a swift victory over Kuhu Parakh, winning 11-3, 11-2, 11-1.

  – *Ritwika Singh Bundela*, seeded second, trounced Katyayani Saktawat with overwhelming scores of 11-1, 11-1, 11-0.

Boys Under 17 Challenges:

  – Purav Rambhia, seeded first, continued his strong performance with a solid win over Yuvaditya Jain, recording scores of 11-4, 11-8, 11-6.

  – Arjun Ramdas, another second seed, battled through an intense match against Ritwik Singh Bundela, finally prevailing after Ritwik retired during the match at 13-11.

Girls Under 15 Stalwarts:

  – Aadya Budhia, the top seed, dismantled Kimaayra Jain with a powerful display, winning 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.

  – Fabiha Nafees, seeded second, defeated Aaravi Raina with convincing scores of 11-6, 11-3, 11-4.

These matches are just a glimpse of the fierce competition and the Main draw for HCL 14th Indian Junior Open are starting tomorrow.

HCL Squash Tour Indore 2024 – Day 3 Quarterfinals Highlights

The HCL Squash Tour in Indore moved into an exciting phase with the quarterfinals bringing some intense matchups on Day 3. The competition at Daly College saw top players from different countries clashing, each aiming for a spot in the semifinals. Here are the highlights from the quarterfinal matches:

Match Highlights:

– Rathika Suthanthira Seelan vs. Navya Sundararajan (IND): Top-seeded Rathika continued her dominant form, overcoming Navya Sundararajan in a competitive four-set match, winning 11-2, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6. Rathika’s agility and tactical play were on full display, setting her up for a strong semifinal appearance.

– Ravindu Laksiri (SRI) vs. Diwakar Singh (IND): In a nail-biting match, Ravindu Laksiri fought hard against wildcard entry Diwakar Singh, eventually securing a victory with scores of 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-8. Laksiri’s recovery after dropping the first game showcased his resilience and championship mentality.

– Yeheni Kuruppu (SRI) vs. Akanksha Gupta (IND): Akanksha Gupta pulled off an upset against the third seed, Yeheni Kuruppu, in a thrilling five-setter, winning 7-11, 11-1, 7-11, 11-4, 10-12. Gupta’s perseverance and strategic execution under pressure were commendable, earning her a memorable victory.

– Nirupama Dubey (IND) vs. Anjali Semwal (IND): This all-Indian clash saw Nirupama Dubey triumph over Anjali Semwal in a five-game thriller, with scores of 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 6-11, 11-3. Dubey’s ability to come back strong in the final game demonstrated her mental toughness and skill.

– Vedant Patel (IND) vs. Arihant K S (IND): Vedant Patel emerged victorious in the longest match of the day, a gripping five-set encounter against Arihant K S, with the final scores reading 8-11, 12-14, 13-11, 11-8, 11-9. Patel’s stamina and strategic adjustments throughout the match were key to his success.

These matches set the stage for an exciting semifinal round, with players showing great skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The HCL Squash Tour in Indore continues to be a showcase of top-tier squash, providing thrilling entertainment for all fans of the sport.

Match Highlights:

– Outstanding Performances in Boys Under 11:

  – Prahlad Singh Majithia showcased his dominance with a swift victory over Yashovardhan Rajale, with impressive scores of 11-2, 11-0, and 11-2.

  – Aaron Arambhan, seeded in the 5/8 bracket, also turned in a commanding performance against Neel Naman, winning 11-0, 11-3, 11-7.

– Strong Showings in Girls Under 11:

  – Naina Anand delivered a near-perfect match against Kopal Gupta, dominating with scores of 11-0, 11-0, and 11-1.

  – Anaya Fattepuria displayed exceptional skills, overpowering Anushka Tandon with a scoreline of 11-1, 11-1, 11-0.

– Boys Under 13 Impress:

  – Devansh Agrawal, seeded first, convincingly defeated Bhavik Ghuge 11-3, 11-4, 11-4.

  – Rahul Sambre overcame Parshuram Lachaka in a more contested match, with scores of 11-9, 2-11, 11-8, and 11-5.

– Girls Under 13 Gaining Ground:

  – Aaditri Bhattacherjee battled against Kavya Jhawar in a close match, eventually securing a win with scores of 11-4, 11-7, 9-11, and 12-10.

  – Deepshika Thorat also shone brightly with her solid victory over Kavya Somani, scoring 11-3, 11-4, 11-6.

– Intensity in Boys Under 15:

  – Shreyansh Jha had a thrilling comeback against Indransh Singh, pulling through with scores of 5-11, 7-11, 11-3, 12-10, and 11-7.

  – Raghav Vashishtha also made a significant impact, overcoming Yukt Jajoo with a strong performance of 11-4, 11-3, 11-8.

– Girls Under 15 Show Their Mettle:

  – Dhriti Sharma proved too strong for Koshiki Khandelwal, cruising to a win with scores of 11-4, 11-0, 11-3.

  – Maira Ghosh was nearly flawless against Arayna Kasliwal, winning 11-0, 11-0, 11-1.

These matches have set the stage for some exciting upcoming encounters as the tournament progresses. Fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating more action from these talented juniors who are not just competing, but also learning and growing with every match.

PSA Match Highlights:

Rathika Suthanthira Seelan vs. Shameena Riaz: In a gripping encounter, top-seeded Rathika Suthanthira Seelan demonstrated her prowess with a decisive 3-1 victory against Shameena Riaz. Rathika controlled the game with scores of 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, and 11-7.

Ravindu Laksiri vs. Vaibhav Chauhan: Sri Lankan talent Ravindu Laksiri displayed dominance in his match against Vaibhav Chauhan, sweeping through with a straightforward 11-1, 11-5, 11-2 victory.

Nirupama Dubey vs. Eesha Shrivastava: Nirupama Dubey, ranked 8th, continued her strong performance in the tournament by defeating Eesha Shrivastava with an impressive 3-0 scoreline, showcasing her consistency and tactical acumen.

Yeheni Kuruppu vs. Aryaa Dwivedi: Yeheni Kuruppu from Sri Lanka didn’t give Aryaa Dwivedi much room, securing a robust 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 win and advancing confidently in the tournament.

Diwakar Singh vs. Athbi Hamad: In a match filled with fluctuations, wildcard Diwakar Singh came out on top against Kuwait’s Athbi Hamad in a dramatic five-setter, winning 6-11, 5-11, 11-8, 14-12, 11-9. This match was particularly notable for its intensity and the remarkable comeback by Singh.

Akanksha Gupta vs. Janet Vidhi: Akanksha Gupta put up a formidable performance, securing a 3-0 win against Janet Vidhi in a closely contested match with scores of 11-9, 11-8, and 12-10, highlighting her resilience under pressure.

In addition to the junior competition, the HCL Squash Tour Indore, a PSA Challenger event, is taking place concurrently. This event features top-ranked players from Egypt, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Kuwait, adding an extra layer of excitement and providing an inspiring spectacle for the young participants.

The tournament continues to promise more action-packed days with the participation of international and local talent vying for top honors in one of the most anticipated junior squash tournaments in India.

This tour is part of HCL’s revamped Squash Podium Program, designed to give Indian players a chance to compete against international talents at home and improve their world rankings. Over 48 players will battle it out in the HCL Squash Tour, while the HCL Indian Junior Open will see a massive participation of over 400 players. These athletes come from India and countries like the US, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and Kuwait, all aiming to boost their international standing. The PSA Tournament offers a prize pool of US$3,000.

Both tournaments will culminate in grand ceremonies. The HCL Indian Junior Open’s prize distribution will be held on May 27th, while the HCL Squash Tour concludes with its ceremony on May 26th. Both events will be graced by His Highness Maharaja Vikram Singh Puar of Dewas Sr. as the esteemed chief guest.

Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL said, “This upcoming HCL Squash Tour aligns with our commitment to fostering sporting excellence and nurturing squash talent. By increasing the number of world-ranking players from India and conducting international events that meet global standards, we aim to elevate Squash as a niche sport. As a part of our revamped HCL Squash Podium Program, four more PSA tournaments, along with Indian Junior Open, will be organised in cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Goa. We look forward to an exciting and successful tournament that will inspire the next generation of squash champions and wish all the players the very best.“

Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) said, “I am thrilled to announce the exciting HCL Indian Junior Open & HCL Squash Tour. This tournament in Indore is introduced to help our players enhance their game and encourage global-level competition, to make India a force to be reckoned with on the worldwide stage. During the event, I look forward to watching some exciting matches over the next six days and I wish all the players the very best of luck”.

Indore’s squash scene has flourished in recent years, with state-of-the-art facilities and a growing passion for the sport. The city has become a rising star in central India, with Daly College leading the charge by regularly hosting prestigious tournaments. In fact, Daly College successfully hosted the Sub-Junior & Junior Nationals in 2023.

The hosting of the HCL Indian Junior Open & HCL Squash Tour marks a significant moment, showcasing Indore’s growing influence in the national squash community. By attracting major tournaments, Indore is cementing its position as a hub for squash development and competition in India.