May 23, 2025
Chennai, May 23rd, 2025:HCL Group, a leading global conglomerate, in partnership with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), Successfully concluded the second edition of the HCL Squash Doubles National Championship at the Indian Squash Academy, Chennai.The tournament was held from May 20 to May 23, 2025. This Championship was also a national selection event for the 2nd Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia at the end of June.
Following the strong momentum built in the 2024 inaugural edition, the championship has quickly become a regular feature on India’s squash calendar. It aims to promote the doubles format and encourage wider participation in the sport across the country. The four-day tournament brought together India’s top squash players including Joshna Chinappa, Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, and Velavan Senthilkumar.
Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar won in the men’s doubles with a score of 11-5, 11-4. Anahat Singh and Joshna Chinappa won in the women’s doubles with a score of 11-4, 11-9. Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh in the mixed doubles category with a score of 11-9, 5-11, 11-9. The winners were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Padma Shri Mr. V. Baskaran, a legendary field hockey player and former Indian coach. Also present were Rajat Chandolia, Associate Vice President & Head – Brand, HCL, and Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General, SRFI. All winners were awarded their trophies and a share of the total prize purse of ₹3.3 lakh during the closing ceremony.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP, Head of Brand, HCL Group, “HCL has championed the sport of squash for over seven years, and it’s rewarding to see Indian players making a mark globally. Our athletes brought home gold in both mixed and men’s doubles at last year’s Asian Doubles Championships, and the energy we witnessed during this tournament tells me we’re just getting started. At HCL, our goal is to empower talent, create opportunities, and elevate Indian squash to new heights.”
Mr. Cyrus Poncha, Secretary-General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), said: “The conclusion of the HCL Squash Doubles National Championships 2025 marks another important step in building India’s competitiveness in the international doubles format. The performances we’ve seen over the past few days have been both inspiring and encouraging. This tournament not only helps identify our top talent but also sharpens their readiness for the upcoming Asian Doubles Championships. Together with HCL, we remain committed to providing athletes the right environment and exposure to thrive on the global stage.”
The Championships 2025 concluded on a high note, setting the stage for a strong showing by Indian players on the continental stage later this year.
About HCL Group
Founded in 1976 as one of India’s original IT garage start-ups, HCL Group is a pioneer of modern computing with many firsts to its credit, including the introduction of the 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in 1978 well before its global peers. Today, the HCL Group has a presence across varied sectors that include technology, healthcare and talent management solutions and comprises three companies – HCL Infosystems, HCLTech and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of over US$13.8 billion with 220,000 employees operating across 60 countries. For further information, visit www.hcl.com
About SRFI
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) was formed to oversee the promotion and development of the sport in India. The SRFI has more than 24 state associations and affiliated units with its headquarters in Chennai. The federation is affiliated to World Squash Federation / Asian Squash Federation, Indian Olympic Association & recognized by Government of India. SRFI has been forging ahead with dynamic plans ensuring promotion, development, and performance of the sport at all levels.
For further information, please contact:
On behalf of HCL:
Alisha Bisherwal- alisha.a@hcl.com / 8447821231
Shruti Saxena- shruti- saxena@hcl.com / 96543 56487