Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Former India No. 1 stresses grassroots growth, tech innovation, and global reach to secure squash’s Olympic future
Former India No. 1 Saurav Ghosal has hailed squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics as a landmark moment, saying players finally have the biggest stage to showcase their talent. Calling squash athletes “among the best in the world,” Ghosal said the Olympic platform is a long-awaited recognition of the sport’s intensity, skill, and global appeal.
However, he cautioned that Olympic entry alone is not enough. For squash to sustain its place at the highest level, it must significantly expand both participation and viewership worldwide. Ghosal emphasized that the sport now competes not just with other disciplines but with entertainment in all forms — from social media to video games — making audience engagement more challenging than ever.
Highlighting the way forward, Ghosal underlined the need to boost visibility through television coverage, integrate squash into school systems, and create engaging formats like the World Premier Squash initiative. According to him, increasing grassroots participation is key to building a strong and sustainable ecosystem.
Drawing inspiration from Egypt’s dominance in world squash, Ghosal pointed out how early exposure and a strong support system have helped the country produce world-class players. He noted that retaining former professionals as coaches and mentors has been crucial in maintaining high performance standards.
He also stressed the importance of combining India’s vast talent pool with quality coaching, including collaboration with international experts. Leveraging technology and making the sport more accessible, he added, will play a vital role in attracting the next generation of players.
Backing innovation, Ghosal supported AI-driven formats as a complementary tool to traditional pathways, aimed at boosting engagement and curiosity among fans. He said such initiatives not only entertain but also help improve players’ skills.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ghosal admitted he is still adapting to life beyond professional sport, embracing new challenges while continuing to contribute to squash’s growth.