It’s the first of its kind in India.
While there have been many individual pro squash tournaments in India over the years, until the Indian Squash Circuit, there’s never been a united series of tournaments that span the country.
It’s annual.
Thanks to The JSW Group (sponsor) and Reliance Industries (associate sponsor), the circuit makes a yearly appearance on India’s sports calendar. The first squash circuit was in 2014.
It’s growing.
The circuit’s total prize money is US$ 120,000 this year; last year, it was US$ 65,000. More prize money attracts better players, exposing local players to fiercer competition and allowing them to learn from and play against the best in the world.
It’s international.
Pro players from more than 25 different countries are participating in this year’s circuit. The two highest-ranked players in the circuit are from Egypt and Spain respectively: Marwan Elshorbagy (World # 12) and Borja Golan (World #13).
It’s putting India on the map.
Squash is one of India’s most successful sports, thanks to country’s current crop of top, professional competitors: Saurav Ghosal (World #15), Dipika Pallikal (World #17), Joshana Chinappa (World #24), Mahesh Mangaonkar (World #52), and Harinderpal Singh Sandhu (World #56). The circuit not only gives these pro athletes a platform to play at home but also allows up-and-coming local players an opportunity to enter the professional arena.
It’s on-the-road.
The circuit holds tournaments in three different cities across India. This year, they are Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Last year, the circuit visited Jaipur, Mumbai, and Chennai.
It’s helping to revolutionize the sport.
From live-tweeting matches, to using SRFi’s tablet scoring system that posts referees’ scores immediately online; from the way it accommodate players, to the way it reaches fans via social media, the Indian Squash Circuit is introducing new ideas and practices to squash and taking the tournament experience up a level.
It’s helping grow local business.
By linking up with homegrown businesses like RAW Pressery, its official drinks partner, and OUWT, its official entertainment partner, the circuit helps Indian businesses reach a national and international audience and build their consumer base.
It’s kid-friendly.
Squash is a great sport that emphasizes sportsmanship at the highest levels. Pro squash players are not only role models but are also required to provide coaching to local children during every tournament they play. Circuit players have coached kids in Mumbai, and will be coaching kids in Kolkata and Chennai as the circuit continues.
It’s a workout.
On an average, a squash player burns more than 2000 calories in a match. In a single tournament, a player might play as many as six matches, burning 120,000 calories. Across four tournaments, that’s 480,000 calories!
This circuit is a marathon, not a sprint, so tune in any time in September and October to watch the action live in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, or follow the circuit on Facebook or Twitter.
For dates and times, visit the circuit website.See you on the courts!