Kolkata : To enhance the squash ecosystem in India, HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, along with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), is set to launch the third leg of the HCL Squash Tour and second zonal tournament- Eastern Slam in Kolkata. The city will host both tournaments at the prestigious Calcutta Racket Club from August 26 to August 31, 2024.
Kolkata has a rich history in squash, with the Calcutta Racket Club, established in 1793, being one of the oldest squash clubs in the world. The city has produced numerous talented players such as Ramit Tondon and Saurav Ghoshal who have excelled nationally and internationally. This PSA tournament will help elevate the game in the Eastern region and provide opportunities for the players to improve their world rankings. Alongside the PSA tour, the Eastern Slam is organized for all the junior players. This event is a 5-star tournament by the SRFI and an ASF-accredited Gold event that enhances the Asian rankings of junior players.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL Group, said, “The Eastern Slam & PSA Tournament in Kolkata is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing squash in India. As part of our Squash Podium Program, which focuses on a comprehensive transformation of the sport, we’ve successfully hosted major events like the National Squash Championship in Mumbai, the Doubles Championship in Chennai, two HCL Squash Tour legs in Chennai and Indore, and the Southern Slam in Chennai. We have many more opportunities lined up for both senior and junior players across the country. Through these tournaments, our goal is to nurture local talent and enhance India’s stature in global squash. With recent international successes, the impact of our program is becoming increasingly evident. We are confident that our players will continue to make the most of these opportunities.”
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General, the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) said, “The Eastern Slam & PSA Tournament in Kolkata presents a good opportunity for our young players to showcase their skills and compete against top international talent. This event is pivotal in our mission to elevate Indian squash to new heights, particularly in the eastern region, and to foster a culture of excellence. I look forward to witnessing the high level of competition and sportsmanship over the next few days and wish all the players the very best.”
These tournaments are being organized as part of the HCL Squash Podium Program, which provides Indian players the opportunity to compete with some of the best squash talent on home turf. The PSA tournament will feature over 48 players from seven countries including Egypt, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Bahrain, Philippines, Iran and India, competing for a $3,000 prize in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the Eastern Slam, around 250 junior players will compete in the U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 categories with 16 players from countries like the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, and United Kingdom. This is the second of four zonal tournaments to be held alongside PSA tournaments in the coming year, providing junior players the opportunity to experience an international-level competition and learn from senior players. Furthermore, participating and performing in the slam helps junior players improve their Asian rankings. The first zonal, Southern Slam, was organized in Chennai in May.
Recently, HCL hosted the inaugural PSA of the HCL Squash Tour in Indore, alongside the Indian Junior Open, at Daly College. The event featured over 48 players, and 7 out of the top 8 seeded players, both men and women, improved their rankings as a result of the competition.
In Kolkata, the top-seeded squash talents will participate, including Anahat Singh (IND, 112 Rank), Ravindu Laksiri (SRI, 134 Rank), Rathika Seelan (IND, 159 Rank), Suraj Kumar Chand (IND,168 Rank), Rahul Baitha (IND, 205 Rank) and Jemyca Aribado (PHI, 181) in the two tournaments. Anahat Singh will take part in both PSA and Eastern Slam.
