Why Squash Is Gaining Fresh Attention Among India’s Young Athletes

For years, squash occupied an interesting position in Indian sport. It had a strong competitive tradition, produced world-class players and enjoyed a loyal following, yet it rarely received the same mainstream attention as cricket, badminton or athletics.

That is beginning to change.

Young Indian athletes are increasingly looking at squash not simply as a recreational indoor sport, but as a demanding competitive discipline with international opportunities. The combination of speed, fitness, tactical intelligence and relatively compact playing spaces makes it particularly attractive to a new generation of athletes.

India also has something many countries would love to have: a proven squash tradition. Players such as Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Joshna Chinappa helped establish India’s presence at the highest level, while the next generation is now trying to build on that foundation.

The timing is important. Squash is scheduled to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, after the sport was selected for inclusion in the programme. That decision has given young players another reason to take the discipline seriously.

For Indian athletes, the Olympic opportunity could turn squash from a specialised sport into a much more visible career pathway.

Why Squash Is Finding a New Audience Among Young Indians

The appeal of squash begins with the nature of the game itself.

Unlike many team sports, squash does not require a large field or a huge group of players. A properly equipped court can provide a highly competitive training environment, making the sport suitable for schools, clubs, academies and urban sporting centres.

The game is also intensely physical.

A rally can require repeated acceleration, sudden changes of direction, lunges, recovery movements and explosive shots. At the same time, players must constantly anticipate where the opponent will move the ball.

Think of it as a combination of sprinting, chess and precision hitting.

A player might appear to be simply chasing a small rubber ball around a court, but every movement has a purpose. The best players are constantly asking: Where can I move my opponent? Which shot creates space? When should I attack? When should I defend?

That tactical element makes squash particularly attractive to athletes who enjoy problem-solving.

It also provides a useful alternative for young people who may not be interested in traditional team sports.

A teenager who does not enjoy football or cricket may discover that squash suits their personality and physical abilities much better.

India’s existing competitive infrastructure gives this interest somewhere to grow. The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) organises national competitions and maintains a structured competitive pathway, while PSA World Tour events provide the international platform for elite players.

The Olympic Effect and India’s Next Generation

The announcement that squash will be part of Los Angeles 2028 has changed the conversation around the sport.

For a young athlete, the difference between “I play squash” and “I could potentially compete at the Olympics” is enormous.

The Olympic Games create visibility, funding opportunities, media attention and long-term ambition. They also encourage parents to view a sport as a potential competitive pathway rather than simply an extracurricular activity.

Squash’s Olympic inclusion is particularly significant for India because the country already has an established competitive base.

Indian players have won medals at major international events, including the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India’s men’s squash team won gold, while the women’s team took bronze.

Those achievements give younger players something valuable: evidence that Indians can succeed at the highest level.

Role models matter enormously in junior sport.

A 12-year-old who watches a successful Indian squash player may be more likely to imagine themselves following a similar path. The example does not have to be identical. What matters is seeing someone from the same country compete successfully against the world’s best.

The sport is also benefiting from better understanding of athletic preparation.

Modern squash requires far more than good racket technique. Elite players need endurance, acceleration, strength, mobility and recovery strategies.

A junior athlete therefore needs to develop several qualities simultaneously:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Speed and agility
• Aerobic fitness
• Explosive movement
• Balance and mobility
• Shot accuracy
• Tactical awareness
• Mental resilience
• Recovery habits

This makes squash a particularly useful sport for developing overall athletic ability.

A young player may spend one session working on movement patterns and another on technical shot selection. Strength and conditioning can then complement court training.

The result is a more complete athlete rather than someone who simply hits the ball well.

Another reason for the sport’s growing appeal is its individual nature.

In a team sport, responsibility is distributed among several players. In squash, there is nowhere to hide.

If you make a poor decision, the opponent can immediately exploit it. If you become mentally frustrated, it can affect the next rally.

That creates a powerful learning environment.

Young athletes quickly learn that mistakes are part of competition. They also learn that winning one rally does not guarantee winning the game.

This is useful far beyond squash.

The mental side of the sport is often underestimated. Players have to remain composed after losing several points, adapt when an opponent changes tactics and maintain concentration during physically exhausting rallies.

In that sense, squash teaches athletes how to make decisions while tired.

That is one reason coaches often value the sport as a development tool.

There is also a practical advantage for Indian cities: squash does not require enormous outdoor land.

A well-managed indoor facility can provide year-round access, regardless of heat, rain or poor outdoor conditions. In cities where open sporting space is increasingly difficult to find, that can be an important advantage.

However, access remains uneven.

Squash courts can be expensive to build and maintain, and coaching fees may put the sport beyond the reach of some families.

That means the next phase of growth should not focus only on elite private clubs.

Schools, universities, community facilities and public sporting centres can help broaden participation.

The goal should be to make the first experience with squash inexpensive and accessible. Families should not have to commit to expensive equipment or long-term coaching before a child even knows whether they enjoy the sport.

This is where grassroots programmes can make a major difference.

A school could introduce students to squash through short sessions. A local coach could identify children with strong coordination and movement skills. Promising players could then move into structured junior programmes.

That creates a natural pathway:

1. Introduction through school or community sport.
2. Basic coaching and movement development.
3. Local and district competitions.
4. State-level junior events.
5. National junior tournaments.
6. Higher-performance academies and camps.
7. International junior competition.
8. Senior-level national and professional competition.

Not every athlete will reach the final stage, and that is completely normal.

Sporting development should not be judged only by whether a teenager eventually becomes a professional.

Squash can provide fitness, discipline, confidence and competitive experience even for players who eventually pursue another career.

Parents also need to understand the difference between healthy ambition and excessive pressure.

A common mistake is to treat every promising junior as a future Olympian.

Young players need time to develop physically. Their bodies are changing rapidly, and training programmes should reflect their age and stage of development.

Overtraining can create injuries and burnout.

A better approach is to focus on consistent improvement.

Instead of asking, “Did my child win?” parents and coaches can ask:

• Did their movement improve?
• Did their decision-making become better?
• Did they maintain concentration?
• Did they recover properly?
• Did they learn something from the match?
• Are they still enjoying training?

Those questions provide a much healthier picture of development.

Technology is also becoming increasingly useful.

Video analysis can show players exactly how they move on court. Coaches can identify inefficient footwork, delayed recovery or poor positioning that may not be obvious during live training.

Performance data can also help track fitness and workload.

But technology should remain a coaching tool rather than a substitute for coaching.

A spreadsheet cannot understand why a 14-year-old is suddenly losing confidence. A coach can.

This human element remains central to junior development.

For young athletes and sports followers researching information online, terms such as gold365 online may appear within the broader digital sports environment. However, decisions about coaching, competitions and athlete development should be based on information from recognised sporting bodies, established academies and qualified professionals.

The commercial side of squash is evolving too.

As India’s young players become more visible, brands have greater opportunities to support tournaments, academies and athletes. Sponsorship can help reduce the financial burden of travel, equipment and international competition.

Long-term investment is particularly valuable.

An athlete may require several years of development before reaching senior international level. Sponsorship that lasts only after a player becomes famous does not solve the development problem.

Supporting athletes earlier can create a stronger pipeline.

There is also a growing opportunity for women’s squash.

India has already benefited enormously from female players who competed internationally and raised the profile of the sport. Their presence provides young girls with role models and helps demonstrate that squash can be a serious competitive option.

The challenge is ensuring that girls have equal access to courts, coaching, competitions and high-performance programmes.

The same principle applies to smaller cities.

Squash has historically been more visible in metropolitan areas and established sporting centres, but the next wave of growth could come from tier-two cities if facilities and coaching expand.

A talented teenager should not need to move hundreds of kilometres simply to discover whether they have potential.

Regional academies can bridge that gap.

Another important misconception is that squash is only for naturally athletic people.

Beginners do not need exceptional fitness to start. Fitness develops through training.

What matters initially is learning the basics safely: grip, movement, balance, court positioning and simple shot control.

A beginner who struggles during the first few sessions should not assume they are unsuitable for the sport.

Squash can be demanding precisely because it develops several physical and mental skills simultaneously.

The same applies to age.

It is possible to start squash as a child, teenager or adult. Elite athletes obviously benefit from early development, but recreational and competitive opportunities exist across different age groups.

The digital sports audience is also helping create greater awareness. Online match clips, tournament coverage and athlete interviews allow young players to study international competitors without needing to attend major events in person.

For some athletes, watching professionals can be almost as educational as a coaching session—provided they understand what they are watching.

The objective should not be to copy an advanced player’s hardest shot.

It should be to observe movement, positioning, patience and decision-making.

Key takeaways:

• Squash is gaining attention among young Indian athletes partly because of its Olympic inclusion for Los Angeles 2028.
• India already has a strong squash tradition and proven international success.
• The sport develops fitness, agility, coordination, tactical thinking and mental resilience.
• Indoor courts make squash suitable for year-round training in urban environments.
• Grassroots programmes and school partnerships can make the sport more accessible.
• Junior development should focus on long-term improvement rather than immediate results.
• Women and athletes from smaller cities need stronger pathways into competitive squash.
• Technology can improve coaching through video and performance analysis.
• Parents should prioritise qualified coaching, healthy training loads and enjoyment.

What Young Athletes Should Know Before Choosing Squash

Choosing squash should begin with interest rather than pressure.

A young athlete should try the sport, learn the basics and see whether they enjoy the combination of movement, competition and tactical decision-making.

If they enjoy it, the next step is finding a qualified coach.

The right coach should understand junior development rather than simply teaching advanced players. They should be able to explain technique clearly, manage training loads and recognise when an athlete needs rest.

Equipment is another consideration.

Beginners do not need the most expensive racket available. A suitable junior racket, comfortable shoes and basic sports clothing are usually enough to begin. As the player develops, equipment can be upgraded according to their playing style.

Competition should also be introduced gradually.

Local tournaments provide valuable experience without immediately creating the pressure of national-level competition. Over time, stronger opponents expose weaknesses that training alone may not reveal.

This process can be uncomfortable, but it is useful.

A player who loses a match because their movement breaks down late in the game has learned something valuable. They now know what to work on.

That mindset separates development from simple participation.

For those following online sports discussions, gold365 club may be encountered alongside broader sports-related searches, but young players should focus their attention on legitimate squash organisations, coaches and tournament information.

The sport’s growing Olympic profile may also attract more investment.

If that investment reaches grassroots facilities rather than remaining concentrated at the elite level, India’s squash pipeline could become considerably deeper.

India does not need thousands of professional squash players to succeed internationally.

It needs enough young athletes entering the sport, enough quality coaches to develop them and enough competitive opportunities to identify the exceptional few.

That is how a talent pipeline works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is squash becoming popular among young athletes in India?

Squash combines fitness, speed, tactical thinking and individual competition. Its Olympic inclusion for Los Angeles 2028 has also made the sport more attractive to young athletes looking for a serious competitive pathway.

Is squash an Olympic sport?

Yes. Squash has been selected for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking its first appearance on the Olympic programme.

Has India been successful in international squash?

Yes. Indian players and teams have achieved major results at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and professional international events. India’s men’s team won gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

What age should children start playing squash?

There is no single perfect age. Children can begin with basic racket skills and movement exercises when they are physically and emotionally ready. The priority should be age-appropriate coaching and enjoyment rather than early competitive pressure.

What skills does squash develop?

Squash develops agility, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, balance, reaction speed, tactical awareness and mental concentration. Because rallies involve frequent movement changes, it can also improve overall athletic conditioning.

Is squash expensive to play in India?

Costs vary significantly depending on the city, facility and coaching programme. Court access and coaching can be expensive at some private clubs, which is why school programmes, public facilities and community initiatives are important for expanding access.

Can squash become a professional career?

Yes. Players can progress through junior competitions, national tournaments and international professional events. However, reaching the professional level requires years of structured training, competition and physical preparation.

What role does gold365 vip play in Indian squash development?

It is not part of India’s official squash development system. Players and parents seeking information about tournaments, coaching or selection should use recognised organisations such as the Squash Rackets Federation of India and official competition sources.

The renewed interest in squash is therefore about more than the prospect of an Olympic debut. It is about giving young Indian athletes another competitive environment in which physical ability and intelligence matter equally.

India already has the history, the role models and the competitive foundation. What comes next is making the sport easier to access, particularly for children who may never have considered picking up a racket.

If schools, academies, federations and communities can work together, squash can move beyond its traditional audience and become a much more visible part of India’s youth sporting landscape.

For a generation searching for sports that challenge both the body and the mind, that could be exactly what makes squash relevant again.