2019: World Class Squash Action back in Mumbai!
MUMBAI: 07th Jan, 2019: After the huge success of its earlier editions, the Indian Squash Circuit is back with BIG players and B-I-G-G-E-R action starting TOMORROW as it presents the CCI International JSW Indian Squash Circuit 2019 at the prestigious Cricket Club of India, (East Lawns), Mumbai from 8th - 12th Jan.
In what promises to be a visual delight once again, the spectacular all-glass court - Thunderdome, has been erected at the CCI lawns. Earlier, such courts have been used to host big International tournaments at landmark sites like the Pyramids, the Grand Central Station, etc.
Supported by the JSW Group, CCI, Ivy Sports and Radio One, the CCI International JSW Indian Squash Circuit 2019 will see top ranking players from 11 countries including England, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Qatar, Switzerland and India, sweat it out for the US $70,000 purse in this M70 Men's Tournament - the BIGGEST Squash tournament in India as part of the PSA World Tour.
In what promises to be a bonanza for the Squash fans, some of the TOP ranking players of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour will be seen in action in the flood-lit arena of the all-glass court –Tarek Momen and Marwan Elshorbagy (World No.4 and No. 5 respectively) will lead the Egyptian challenge; while James Willstrop (former World no. 1 and current World No. 15 from England), Nicholas Mueller (World No. 18 from Switzerland), Tom Richards (World No. 20 from England) will be the other international players to watch out for.
The Indian challenge will be led by Saurav Ghosal (World No. 12), Vikram Malhotra (World No. 58), Mahesh Mangaonkar (Nationals Champion 2018, World No. 66), Ramit Tandon (World No. 68), Harinder Pal Sandhu (World No. 75), and Aditya Jagtap (World No. 120) among others.
In line with the Indian Squash Circuit's endeavour to promote the game with a larger audience, the entry to the tournament is completely free. In addition to the matches, the organisers are also lining up master classes for the squash enthusiasts who can participate in them through a special promotion on Radio One.
Set up in 2014 and promoted by Ritwik Bhattacharya, 5 times National Squash Champion and the first Indian to break into top 50 of the PSA World Rankings in 2006 and Raj Arora, CEO Ivy Sports, the Indian Squash Circuit's primary objectives have been to:
· Raise the awareness of the sport by the professional delivery of Squash Tournaments in India that match the international standards of excellence,
· Support Indian professional players gain valuable World Class experience at home and improve their ranking points without having to incur large spends on travelling abroad;
· Showcase the Sport at a more meaningful scale in India, attracting both fresh talent as well as sponsors for the Circuit with a long term view to enhance the quality of participation in its tournaments,
· Conduct several camps under the aegis of ISC at various locations with the objective of equipping more juniors with skills besides enthusing them to engage with the Circuit as volunteers, spectators and students of the game.
"We are pleased to be back again at the CCI for a M70 PSA World Tour Event which I’m sure will keep giving maximum exposure and valuable world ranking points to our Indian PSA Players. We are delighted to be back at CCI-the home of Indian Squash on the momentous occasion of their 75th year! A BIG thank you to our sponsor JSW, for their continued support and all our partners- SRFI, WSF, GoSportz, Radio One, Raw Pressery and Being Human who have made this Tournament possible.” said Ritwik - PSA Representative for Asia & Co Promoter - Indian Squash Circuit
Adds Tournament Promoter Raj Arora of Ivy Sports: "In line with our vision to take Squash to a more meaningful scale, this year the JSW Indian Squash Circuit has put together another USD 70,000 event, attracting top players from across the world. The idea of World Class squash at this historic venue is quite a treat. We are excited about all the action lined up for this event."
Mustafa Ghouse, CEO, Jindal Sports said: “ Our endeavour is to have Indian professionals and aspiring young players get a certain level of competition and gain valuable ranking points. You can train as much as you want but need that competition to be able to evaluate your progress. We are delighted to support the circuit once again and pleased with the results it continues to deliver.”
Acknowledging the stellar work done by the ISC, Professional Sports Association (PSA) Chief Executive Alex Gough said,"Since it’s conception in 2014 the Indian Circuit has grown considerably year on year and we’re delighted to see that once again everyone involved in the circuit has stepped up the level in Mumbai. These events give young Indian players the platform to perform on the biggest stage as well as helping attract the biggest stars in the game to compete in the region and promote the sport in the best possible way.”
Naval Pandole, Vice Chairman of the Squash Committee at CCI said: “We are delighted to welcome back the CCI International Indian Squash Circuit 2019 to our historic lawns as we celebrate 75 glorious years of CCI Squash! Our growing squash fraternity enthusiastically awaits some world class action over the next few days."
