HCL, in partnership with SRFI, launched the HCL India Squash Tour 2025-26, expanding to six cities with higher-tier events, equal prize money, and enhanced opportunities for Indian squash talent ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics
Published Date – 1 August 2025, 01:06 AM
L-R Rajat Chandolia (HCL) and Cyrus Poncha (SRFI)
Hyderabad: In a boost to India’s squash ambitions, especially with the sport’s debut at the LA 2028 Olympics, leading global conglomerate HCL, in partnership with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), on Thursday launched HCL India Squash Tour 2025-26. Now expanded to six cities, this Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour series brings international-calibre competition to Indian soil, offering critical PSA ranking points, enhanced prize purses, and a stronger pathway for homegrown athletes to excel globally.
Following the resounding success of the inaugural edition, which saw Indian players improve their PSA rankings significantly, the revamped 2025–26 season includes Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad,
and Delhi on its circuit, with the latter two cities newly added to the lineup.
The new prize pool format: One PSA Challenger 15K event (Chennai); Two PSA Challenger 9K events (Jaipur, Mumbai) and three PSA Challenger 6K events (Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad).
Importantly, all tournaments will award equal prize money to men and women, with champions taking home USD 15,000, 9,000, or 6,000, depending on the event tier. Each leg will follow a 24-player knockout format, with the top 8 seeds receiving byes into the second round. The Tour is open to PSA-registered players aged 15 and above.
With support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, the Tour was focused on bringing in new players in the PSA circuit $3,000 purses.
“This year, we have stepped up to higher-tier events so that the Indian players can gain meaningful PSA points and face tougher global competition without needing to travel abroad,” said Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President and Head of Brand, HCL Group.
“With squash set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, we are focused on creating a structured pipeline that helps Indian players thrive on the world stage. Our continued partnership with SRFI is aimed at strengthening every aspect of the sport’s ecosystem in India,” he said.
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), said that they were immensely grateful to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India, and the partner HCL, whose support since 2016 had been instrumental in nurturing Indian squash talent.
“Their contributions have driven remarkable progress, from elevating global rankings to achieving historic victories. The increased prize money and expanded tournament opportunities this year will further
accelerate development, enabling more players to gain exposure, earn PSA points, and prepare for prestigious international events, including the Olympics,” he said.
