Sep 16, 2025
August 28th, 2025, New Delhi: The HCL 81st National Squash Championship concluded today with a resounding success, showcasing the sport’s resurgence in India. Organised by HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, in collaboration with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India. The event was held at the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from 23rd- 28th August. With over 300 players from 25 states, the championship reflected the growing popularity of squash across the nation.
Competing for a total prize purse of ₹8 Lakh, players participated in Men, Women, and Professional Coach categories. The men’s category witnessed an intense battle, with Velavan Senthilkumar from [Tamil Nadu] emerging victorious over runner-up Abhay Singh [Tamil Nadu] in a closely contested match, finishing with a score of (11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 11-8). In the women’s category, Anahat Singh from [Delhi] triumphed over Akansha Salunkhe from [Goa], securing the title with a score of (11-7, 11-6, 11-3). The winners were felicitated by distinguished chief guests Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech, Shikhar Malhotra, Shikhar Malhotra, Director, HCL Corporation, CEO, HCL Healthcare and Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation and Anil Wadhwa, President, SRFI. The event was further graced by Mr. Sundar Mahalingam, President – Strategy, HCL Group, Rajat Chandolia, AVP, Head – Brand, HCL Group and Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General, SRFI.
This year’s championship marked the return of the event to Delhi after a 7-year hiatus, reigniting the city’s passion for squash. Following India’s remarkable performance in doubles squash at the Asian Junior Team Championship, Hong Kong this year. These initiatives are part of the broader effort to revitalise the sport in India and provide a dynamic platform for emerging talent to shine on the national stage.
The tournament was conducted under the latest World Squash Federation (WSF) rules, at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium offering world-class facilities for both players and spectators.
Details of winners in all categories:
| Category | Winner | Runner-up | Match Scores | |
| Women | Anahat Singh (Delhi) | Akanksha Salunkhe (Goa) | 11-7, 11-6, 11-4 | |
| Men | Velavan Senthilkumar (Tamil Nadu) | Abhay Singh (Tamil Nadu) | 11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 11-8 | |
| Procoach | Atul Kumar Yadav (UP) | Matthew Godwin (Tamil Nadu) | 11-2, 11-5, 7-11, 11-3 | |
This championship also served as a crucial selection platform for the World Squash Federation’s Men’s and Women’s World Team Championship, scheduled for December 2025 in Hong Kong.
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, HCLTech and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of over US$14 billion with 223,000 employees operating across 60 countries. 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 24 state associations and affiliated units with its headquarters in Chennai. The federation is affiliated to World Squash Federation / Asian Squash Federation, Indian Olympic Association & recognized by Government of India. SRFI has been forging ahead with dynamic plans ensuring promotion, development, and performance of the sport at all levels.
On behalf of HCL:
Alisha Bisherwal- alisha.a@shivnadarfoundation.com /8447821231
Shruti Saxena- shruti-saxena@shivnadarfoundation.com / 9654356487