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India's Oldest Squash Tournament: Why the 80th Edition Is a Living Heritage

The historic 80th edition of the CCI Western India Squash Tournament is set to begin this week in Mumbai. This event is the oldest and longest-running squash competition in India, with a rich history dating back to 1943. It has been a crucial platform for generations of Indian talent, from early legends to current international stars. The tournament underscores the sport's growing momentum in India, especially with squash making its Olympic debut in 2028.

Key Points: 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament Begins in Mumbai

  • The tournament is India's oldest and longest-running squash competition, starting in 1943
  • It has nurtured champions from S.D. Bilimoria to modern stars like Sourav Ghoshal
  • The event features multiple age categories from Under-11 to Over-65 divisions
  • Squash's rise includes its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
2 min read

80th Western India Squash Tournament to commence on Wednesday

The historic 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament, India's oldest, begins Dec 17-21 in Mumbai, celebrating a legacy of champions.

"This is not just a tournament, it is a living heritage of Indian squash. - Darius Pandole, Championship Director"

Mumbai, Dec 15

The Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Monday announced the dates for the 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament, India’s oldest and longest-running squash competition, which began in 1943. The tournament will be played from December 17 to 21, 2025, across the iconic glass-backed courts of the CCI, Mumbai.

Organised under the auspices of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) and the Maharashtra Squash Racquets Association (MSRA), this year’s edition continues the club’s proud legacy of nurturing champions under the banner “CCI Squash – Home of Champions.”

The CCI Western India Squash Tournament has been a defining platform for generations of Indian squash talent. From early stalwarts like S. D. Bilimoria and Rajkumar Narpat Singh, to legendary champions Bhuwaneswari Kumari, Meherwan Daruwala, Adrian Ezra, and modern-day international stars such as Sourav Ghoshal, Joshna Chinappa, Siddharth Suchde, and Mahesh Mangaonkar, this tournament has mirrored the evolution of Indian squash.

The rise of multiple Indian players in the PSA World Top 100, including Sourav Ghoshal’s and Joshna Chinappa’s historic surge into the Top 10, underlines the event’s impact on India’s professional squash ecosystem, particularly its role in advancing world-class women athletes.

Darius Pandole, Championship Director & Vice-Chairperson, CCI Squash Sub-Committee: “This is not just a tournament, it is a living heritage of Indian squash. To celebrate the 80th edition is a privilege for all of us at CCI.

Set to make an appearance at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the sport of squash is on a high in the country with a lot of success in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships and Professional Squash Association (PSA) circuit. On Sunday, the country won the team title in the Squash World Cup in Chennai.

Tournament Details

* Dates: December 17–21, 2025

* Venue: CCI Squash Courts, Mumbai, India

* Courts: 6 fully equipped glass-backed courts

* Format (Juniors): Knockout rounds with playoffs for Top 8

* Age Categories: BU11, GU11, BU13, GU13, BU17, GU17, BU19, GU19, Men, Women, WO35, Pro-coach, MO35, MO40, MO50, MO55, MO60, MO65.

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- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's fantastic to see squash getting its due recognition, especially with its Olympic inclusion in 2028. Tournaments like this are crucial for grassroots development. Hope there's good TV or streaming coverage!
A
Aman W
CCI is such an iconic venue. I remember watching a match there years ago. The glass-backed courts make for a fantastic spectator experience. Hope they open up more tickets for the public this time.
P
Priyanka N
The article rightly highlights the role in advancing women athletes. Joshna Chinappa is an absolute inspiration! We need more such platforms for girls in sports across all states, not just in metros.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the legacy is impressive, I hope the organisers are also focusing on making the sport more accessible. Squash often feels confined to elite clubs. More public courts and school programs would help discover the next Ghoshal.
K
Karthik V
Coming right after the World Cup win in Chennai! Perfect timing to keep the momentum going. The future of Indian squash looks bright. Jai Hind!

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