New Delhi, August 9: Saurav Ghosal, one of India’s premier squash players, has made significant achievements on the international stage, showcasing hard work, consistency, and exceptional performance under pressure. His efforts have brought a new recognition to Indian squash.
Born on August 10, 1986, in Kolkata, Ghosal began his squash journey at the Kolkata Racket Club. After completing his schooling, he moved to the ICL Squash Academy in Chennai, where he honed his skills in the sport.
Ghosal quickly gained attention for his remarkable performances. He made his PSA debut in 2003 and reached the finals 18 times, winning the title on 10 occasions. In November 2021, he secured his last PCS title by triumphing in the final of the Malaysian Open Squash Championship.
In 2004, Ghosal became the first Indian to win the British Junior Open Under-19 squash title. He earned a bronze medal at the Doha Asian Games in 2006.
In 2013, he became the first Indian to reach the quarter-finals of the World Squash Championship. The following year, he won a silver medal in the singles event at the Asian Games, marking another first for India.
During the 2018-19 season, Ghosal became the first Indian to break into the top 10 of the world rankings. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he won bronze medals in both singles and mixed doubles. That same year, he claimed gold in the mixed doubles event at the World Doubles Championship alongside Dipika Pallikal. With 281 wins out of 511 matches on the PSA tour, Ghosal announced his retirement from professional squash in April 2024.
For his outstanding contributions to squash, Ghosal received the Arjuna Award in 2007. He has taught young athletes that success requires not only talent but also discipline, patience, and relentless effort. His mindset of perseverance in challenging situations and dedication to goals continues to inspire the youth.
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