Saurav Ghosal Retires from Professional Squash, Embraces New Chapter

Saurav Ghosal, India's most successful male squash player, has announced his retirement from the professional tour after a remarkable career spanning over two decades. The 37-year-old, who broke into the top 10 in 2019 and achieved his highest ranking of world No. 5 in 2021, has decided to step away from the grueling demands of the professional circuit.

Ghosal's decision stems from a sense of physical and mental exhaustion after last year's Asian Games, where he led India to a team gold and an individual silver. He believes that a break from the tour will allow him to recharge and potentially rekindle his passion for the sport.

Despite his retirement from the professional tour, Ghosal remains committed to squash. He hopes to continue representing India in international competitions and contribute to the growth of the sport at the grassroots level. He plans to mentor young Indian players, introduce squash to primary schools, and enhance the knowledge of coaches across the country.

Reflecting on his career, Ghosal acknowledges that he peaked in the latter stages, attributing it to a deeper understanding of his game and improved ball control. He expresses some regret that this peak didn't occur earlier, but he is grateful for the achievements he has made.

Ghosal's future plans include targeting the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics, although he recognizes that his route through the rankings may be closed. He remains optimistic about securing a regional quota if necessary.

Ghosal's legacy extends beyond his individual accomplishments. He hopes to leave a lasting impact on Indian squash by fostering a wider player base, elevating the skills of coaches, and ultimately propelling the sport to greater heights.

Tags: #SauravGhosal, #IndianSquash, #Retirement, #Mentoring, #GrassrootsDevelopment