Suraj Kumar Chand became the only Indian to reach the semifinals of the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour on Saturday at Chennai's Indian Squash Academy.
Chand's advancement matters for Indian squash because it highlights the depth of talent emerging from the country. With few Indians regularly reaching the later rounds of PSA events, his presence in the semifinals signals progress and could attract more sponsorship and media attention to the sport.
In Saturday's quarterfinal, Chand faced fellow Indian Om Semwal—winning 11‑8, 11‑1, 11‑4—to secure his spot. The three‑game sweep left no doubt about his form, and the scoreline underscored his aggressive play. Chand’s decisive victory propelled him into the semifinal round as the tournament’s only Indian contender [1].
The HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour draws players from across Asia and Europe, offering valuable ranking points that can boost a competitor’s world standing. For Chand, a strong showing here can improve his PSA ranking and improve his eligibility for higher-tier events later in the season. The tournament’s venue, the Indian Squash Academy, provides world-class courts that meet international standards.
Looking ahead, Chand will meet the winner of the other quarterfinal in the semifinal match on Sunday. A win would put him in the final, giving him a chance to compete for the title on home soil. Even without a championship, his semifinal berth already marks a milestone for Indian squash.
“Chand's advancement matters for Indian squash because it highlights the depth of talent emerging from the country.”
Chand's semifinal appearance demonstrates that Indian players can compete at higher levels of professional squash, which may encourage greater investment in training programs and inspire a new generation of athletes.
