HCL Squash Podium Program Aims To Raise Squash Standards In India

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In a significant move to boost squash in India, HCL, in collaboration with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SFI), has announced several initiatives under the HCL Squash Podium Program.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance the squash ecosystem in the country, focusing on developing players, coaches, and referees to compete internationally.

Among the notable developments is the return of the HCL National Doubles Championship after a 17-year hiatus, set to take place in Chennai with top-seeded players vying for glory and the chance to represent India at the Asian Squash Doubles Championship in Malaysia.

The HCL Squash Podium Program, initiated in 2019, has been revamped to further support Indian squash players in making their mark on international platforms. The program encompasses the HCL Squash Tour & Junior National Events, introducing five international PSA Challenger tournaments across new cities in India.

These tournaments are designed to provide junior and senior players with the necessary international exposure and opportunities to improve their world rankings.

An innovative part of the program, NexGen Squash, focuses on nurturing junior players by granting them access to quality coaching, international exposure, and advanced technical and scientific training. This includes a specialized Brain Training Program aimed at enhancing cognitive skills, with a trained sports psychologist assessing players to tailor improvement strategies.

The Grassroots Squash initiative seeks to introduce the sport to children aged 6 to 12, partnering with schools nationwide to expand the young player base. Additionally, the Squash Podium Program includes high-performance camps geared towards the Asian and World Junior Championships, alongside development programs for referees and coaches to ensure they receive the necessary training, certification, and international exposure.

The overarching goal of these initiatives is to fortify the squash infrastructure in India, providing comprehensive support to players, coaches, and referees. By doing so, the program aspires to elevate the status of squash in India, encouraging players to excel at prestigious international events and showcasing the potential of Indian squash on a global stage.