For a country where cricket commands the lion’s share of attention, Indian sports lovers often overlook a vast world beyond the pitch. However, in the realm of glass-walled courts and lightning-fast reflexes, Ramit Tandon is making waves, proving that Indian sports can shine beyond cricket. As the country’s top-ranked squash player, he is on a mission to take Indian squash to new heights, especially with the sport’s recent inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Tandon’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Unlike many who rise through domestic circuits, he honed his skills both in India and the United States, playing at Columbia University while balancing academics and competitive squash. This dual experience has made him a uniquely adaptable player, blending raw Indian resilience with the structured training methods of the US squash circuit.
Now, at 32, an age where many athletes start slowing down, Tandon is defying expectations. With four PSA titles and a career-best world ranking of 28, he continues to climb the global rankings, eager to prove that Indian players can compete at the highest level. His path has not been easy, facing tough international competition, but his determination to break into the world’s top 20 and challenge the best in the game keeps him going.
A Different Mindset for Indian Squash
One of Tandon’s standout qualities is his strategic approach to the game. Indian athletes often find joy in merely qualifying for big tournaments, but Tandon is different. He is not content with participation—he wants to win. His methodical planning, including participation in key tournaments in Egypt and Switzerland to gain ranking points, showcases his long-term vision.
He acknowledges the experience gap in international squash, where players often bring 10-15 more years of top-level competition to the court. But instead of feeling daunted, he embraces the challenge. “I have a better mental maturity than I did before,” he says, emphasizing how his tactical sharpness and mental game compensate for any disadvantage in experience.
This mindset is crucial for Indian squash, which has seen many talented players but lacks a deep culture of aggressive global ambition. Tandon is setting a new precedent, proving that Indian players can do more than just qualify—they can aim for titles, rankings, and global dominance.
The Road to the Olympics
With squash’s long-awaited entry into the Olympics, the 2028 Games in Los Angeles will mark a historic moment. Indian fans who normally celebrate cricketing victories now have a new frontier to support, and Tandon hopes to be at the forefront of that revolution.
But the journey is not without its hurdles. He knows that qualifying is just the first step, and maintaining his ranking in the top 50 while pushing for a top 20 spot will require immense effort. “Mathematically, if I maintain this ranking, I’ll be there (in LA),” he says. But that is not enough—his real goal is to compete as a seeded player, ensuring a stronger draw in the competition.
Tandon has already earmarked key tournaments in Egypt and Zurich to gain crucial ranking points, sharpening his skills against the world’s best before taking his Olympic shot. His careful planning and relentless spirit make him India’s best hope for a breakthrough in squash on the biggest sporting stage.
India’s Bright Future in Squash
While Tandon is leading the charge, Indian squash has more reasons to be hopeful. Young talents like Anahat Singh are also making their mark, ensuring a strong pipeline of future champions. Anahat recently made headlines by defeating Indian squash legend Joshna Chinappa in the JWS Indian Open, signaling the arrival of a new generation.
As India looks beyond cricket for sporting glory, players like Ramit Tandon and Anahat Singh are proving that squash is a sport worth watching. With a combination of strategy, resilience, and hunger for success, Indian squash is on the rise.
It’s time to step beyond the cricket field and cheer for our athletes in the fast-paced, high-intensity world of squash—because the next big Indian sports story might just unfold behind a glass wall, not on a cricket pitch.