Gujarat State Squash Championship 2026 Crowns 11 Champions
Gujarat State Squash Championship crowns 11 winners as interest in the sport grows ahead of Olympic debut
Squash players from across Gujarat competed for state honours at the Chiripal Gujarat State Squash Championship 2026, with 11 champions emerging after three days of competition in Ahmedabad. The event brought together junior, senior and master’s players at a time when the sport is preparing for a major milestone, with squash set to appear for the first time at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
The championship was held from 1 August to 3 August under the Chiripal Squash Excellence Programme. It was organised by the All Gujarat Squash Rackets Association (AGSRA) and sanctioned by the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), the national governing body responsible for regulating and promoting competitive squash across the country.
The tournament featured players from several age groups, giving young athletes and experienced competitors an opportunity to earn state titles. Such championships also play an important role in selecting and preparing players for national ranking events and future international competitions.
The winners were Ahaan Bhatt in the Boys Under 11 category, Sayesha Modi in Girls Under 11, Bhavyarajsinh Jadeja in Boys Under 13, Miraya Patel in Girls Under 13, Kiaan Kanade in Boys Under 15, Hetansh Kalaria in Boys Under 17, Manya Savalia in Girls Under 17, Amit Singhvi in Men’s 35+, Dhritih Kandpal in Women’s, Viraj Shah in Men’s 45+, and Vedant Patel in the Men’s Open category.
Junior events attracted particular attention because they represent the next group of players expected to compete at national level in the coming years. Indian squash has built a strong reputation over the past two decades through players such as Saurav Ghosal, Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Ramit Tandon, who have helped raise the sport’s profile in India. Their success has encouraged more state associations to invest in coaching and competition for younger players.
Speaking after the championship, Mr Ronak Chiripal, Promoter, Chiripal Group, said, “The Chiripal Gujarat State Squash Championship is much more than a tournament. It is a reflection of the growing momentum of squash in our state. Every championship inspires the next generation of players and strengthens the pathway from grassroots participation to national excellence. We congratulate all the winners and participants and remain committed to working with the squash community to create greater opportunities for athletes to realise their potential.”
His remarks reflect a wider effort by private organisations to support sports that receive less public attention than cricket. Corporate support has become increasingly important in helping players gain access to coaching, training facilities and regular tournaments.
According to the organisers, the Chiripal Squash Excellence Programme has spent the past year working with AGSRA, clubs, coaches and players through what it calls its 4C Framework, covering Coaches, Clinics, Competitions and Champions. The programme aims to strengthen the sport by improving coaching standards, increasing playing opportunities and supporting long-term athlete development in Gujarat and beyond.
AGSRA Secretary Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Wala said, “The standard of squash in Gujarat continues to improve, especially at the junior level. Our focus is to create more opportunities through structured competitions, coach development and strong partnerships. Together with such initiatives, we are preparing more athletes to represent Gujarat and India at the highest level.”
His comments reflect a trend seen in several Indian states where sports associations are expanding junior competitions instead of focusing only on senior events. Coaches often point out that players need frequent competitive matches from a young age if they are to succeed nationally and internationally.
The timing of the championship is significant because squash is preparing for one of the biggest moments in its history. After many years of campaigning, the International Olympic Committee approved squash for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The decision is expected to increase interest in the sport worldwide and encourage greater investment in player development, coaching and facilities.
India has traditionally been one of Asia’s strongest squash nations. Indian players have won medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asian Championships, while the country regularly hosts international tournaments recognised by the Professional Squash Association. The addition of squash to the Olympic programme is expected to create fresh opportunities for young players aiming to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Gujarat has also been expanding its sporting infrastructure in recent years. Alongside major investments in cricket, athletics and multi-sport facilities, the state has supported a growing number of events in sports such as badminton, table tennis and squash. Regular state championships help identify talented players while giving them experience in competitive conditions before moving to national ranking events.
For many of the young winners in Ahmedabad, the state title represents an early achievement rather than the final goal. Strong performances at state level can open the door to national tournaments, higher rankings and selection opportunities. With squash now set to become an Olympic sport, the pathway from local competitions to international competition has become more meaningful than ever.
The 2026 Gujarat State Squash Championship therefore marked more than the end of a three-day tournament. It demonstrated the continued growth of squash in Gujarat, recognised the achievements of players across different age groups and underlined the importance of sustained coaching, competition and partnerships in developing the next generation of Indian squash talent.
