NEW DELHI: Veer Chotrani, 24, has been connected to squash his entire life. His father, a former national champion, played for India. Chotrani began formal training at age four and entered competitions by six or seven. He achieved multiple Asian junior titles and ranked as India’s top junior in various age groups.
This background comes at a key time for Indian squash. Recently, 18-year-old Anahat Singh became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. India’s junior boys earned a bronze medal. On the professional tour, four Indian men, including Chotrani at world number 38 and Abhay Singh at 24, have stayed in the top 60 for over a year.
Chotrani credits squash’s addition to the 2028 Olympics for raising the sport’s profile in India. Singh’s junior title added further momentum. He studied psychology at Cornell University and trained with former world number one David Palmer, who remains his coach.
Rivalry among the top Indian players, such as matches between Chotrani and Singh, provides motivation. Yet structural issues remain. Top players train abroad due to a lack of strong domestic partners. While courts and facilities exist, better coaching and support staff are needed to build a self-sustaining system at home.
Cultural factors also play a role. Indian families often prioritize academics over sports careers.
