Kolkata HCL Group, a US$14.8 billion global conglomerate, in association with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), is all set to bring the Kolkata leg of the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour to The Calcutta Racket Club from 10–14 August 2026. This event isa part of the annual HCL Squash Tour, a multi-city PSA Challenger Tour certified by the Professional Squash Association (PSA), designed to strengthen India's squash talent pipeline.
The tournament will feature 48 players from 7 countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Switzerland and Germany, competing for a prize purse of US$9,000 each in the men's and women's categories.
Returning to Kolkata following a successful edition in 2025, this year's tournament promises a highly competitive field, with 20 players ranked inside the PSA World Top 200. Leading the women's draw is India's Tanvi Khanna (World No. 74), while Egypt's Mohamed Gohar (World No. 93) will lead the men's draw as the top seed. The tournament will also showcase a strong contingent of emerging Indian and international talent.
Speaking on the announcement, Nikhil Soni, AGM – Marketing, HCL Group, said, "At HCL, our focus has been on creating a sustainable pathway for Indian squash talent through participation in international tournaments organised in India itself. Bringing an event of this calibre to Kolkata is part of this continued commitment, right as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut. We're proud to support this journey through the HCL Squash Tour."
The Kolkata leg arrives on the back of a landmark year for Indian squash. Tanvi Khanna recently claimed the women's title at the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour in Mumbai, while Anahat Singh became the youngest Asian player to break into the top 20 in PSA World Rankings following her maiden PSA Bronze (Check if this is the exact name of the title) title earlier this year. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games, tournaments such as this one are increasingly significant for Indian players looking to build ranking points and international match experience on home soil.
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