Indian squash icon Saurav Ghosal, the former World No.10, announced his retirement from professional squash after an illustrious 21-year career. Born in Kolkata, Ghosal’s journey from local courts to the world stage has been nothing short of inspiring, marking him as a trailblazer in Indian squash history.
Ghosal’s retirement announcement came through a heartfelt social media post where he reflected on his remarkable journey. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences the sport has provided him.
Been quite a ride! Thank you to the universe for giving me the opportunity to live this life for all these years 🙂 https://t.co/4xLx6tbrul
— Saurav Ghosal (@SauravGhosal) April 22, 2024
Saurav Ghosal’s legendary career
During his career, Ghosal amassed an impressive record, capturing 12 PSA titles. His crowning moment came at the Malaysian Open Squash Championships in November 2021, where he triumphed over Colombian top seed Miguel Rodriguez to claim the title. This victory was a fitting end to his PSA Tour victories.
Ghosal’s impact extended beyond individual accolades. He played a pivotal role in leading India to gold medals in the teams event at both the 2014 and 2022 editions of the Asian Games. His partnership with compatriot Dipika Pallikal Karthik also left a mark in Indian squash history. Together, they clinched a gold medal for India in the mixed event at the 2022 WSF World Doubles Squash Championships.
At the Commonwealth Games, Ghosal etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first man from India to win a medal in the squash singles event. His silver and bronze medal performances in the mixed doubles and singles events, respectively, at the Gold Coast and Birmingham Commonwealth Games showcased his consistency and excellence at the highest level.
Ghosal’s dominance extended to the domestic circuit, where he holds a record of 13 Indian Nationals titles. This further solidified his status as a squash icon in his homeland.
Despite being India’s most decorated squash player, Ghosal remains approachable and humble. He graciously fulfils every fan’s request for a selfie or autograph, even in the face of defeat.
Also Read: Indian contingent with a terrific campaign at the US Pickleball Championship
