May 13, 2019
Launch the HCL Squash Podium Program to improve both player and coaching standards with the aim of getting more Indian players to finish at the podium
Chennai, May 15, 2019: HCL, a leading global conglomerate, today announced the launch of HCL Squash Podium Program in partnership with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) to significantly improve the Squash ecosystem in India. The multi-pronged program will focus on driving a 360-degree overhaul in Indian Squash by improving both player (senior and junior) and coaching standards and enhancing the overall prominence of the sport in the country. As part of this initiative, HCL and SRFI will also host the HCL Indian Tour – a Professional Squash Association (PSA) multi-city circuit in the country, giving the Indian players an opportunity to compete against the world’s best on their home turf.
The year-long HCL Squash Podium Program will host:-
Announcing the HCL Squash Podium Program, Sundar Mahalingam, Chief Strategy Officer, HCL Corporation said, “HCL has been supporting Squash for over three years now by creating world-class individual tournaments. As an organization, HCL believes in driving deep impact in the areas that we support and therefore we are now strengthening our commitment to the sport with the aim of significantly enhancing the existing Squash ecosystem in the country. This will require long-term investment covering a breadth of areas including tournaments, coaching and mental and physical fitness of the players. I am hopeful that the combined efforts of HCL and SRFI will help promising players emerge as the next stars of Indian Squash on the global stage.”
Mr. Debendranath Sarangi, President SRFI said, “Indian Squash has grabbed a lot of attention in the recent years with players like Joshna Chinappa and Saurav Ghoshal securing important international wins for the country. However, there are only three Indian players in Top 50 PSA rankings in the world today (including Joshna and Saurav). To ensure that Indian Squash not only continues its success but emerges at the top, it is important that the next rung of players get the right exposure both in terms of quality of tournaments as well as coaching. With HCL, we have found common synergies in terms of our goals for Indian Squash. I am confident that through our combined efforts we will enable India take its rightful place in the pantheon of great squash playing nations.”
HCL has been supporting Squash in the country for over three years now and has been organizing HCL Junior Squash tournament since 2016. HCL scaled-up its efforts by partnering with SRFI to organize the HCL Senior National Squash Championship in 2017 and again in 2018.
Indian player rankings
Last month, Saurav Ghoshal became the first Indian male squash player to enter the top 10 in the latest PSA world rankings. Egypt’s world champion Ali Farag, meanwhile, maintains his position at the top of the ladder. The other Indian male in the top 50 is Ramit Tandon (49).
In the women’s rankings, Joshna Chinappa continues to be the best-ranked Indian, moving up to the 15th position. Dipika Palllikal Karthik had earlier become the first Indian woman to be ranked 10, she is currently ranked 73 as she has not being playing competitive squash since October 2018.
About HCL
Founded in 1976 as one of India’s original IT garage start-ups, HCL is a pioneer of modern computing with many firsts to its credit, including the introduction of the 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in 1978 well before its global peers. Today, the HCL Enterprise has a presence across varied sectors that include technology, healthcare and talent management solutions and comprises three companies – HCL Infosystems, HCL Technologies and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of over US $8.6 billion with more than 13,000 employees from 140 nationalities operating across 44 countries, including over 500 points of presence in India. For further information, visit www.hcl.com
About SRFI
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) was formed to oversee the promotion and development of the sport in India. The SRFI has more than 20 state associations and affiliated units with its headquarters in Chennai. The federation is affiliated to World Squash Federation / Asian Squash Federation & Recognized by Government. of India.
SRFI has been forging ahead with dynamic plans ensuring promotion, development and performance of the sport at all levels.
For further information, please contact:
On behalf of HCL:
Sadaf Khan – 09620696668/ sadaf-k@hcl.com