Indian Squash Star Ramit Tandon Eyes 2025 Asian Games Return

Ramit Tandon knows what it feels like to watch from the sidelines when it matters most, and that's exactly why he's determined to make 2025 his year.

The 34-year-old Indian squash player missed the 2022 Asian Games after a frustrating series of injuries and ranking setbacks. But he didn't give up. Instead, he quietly rebuilt his game, working his way back to World No. 37 and entering the JSW Indian Open in Mumbai as the third seed.

"All our scheduling is going to revolve around how to peak for the Asian Games," Tandon told The Hindu. The stakes couldn't be higher. India is the defending champion in men's team squash, and the singles winner will qualify directly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash makes its debut.

Tandon trains with former World No. 1 David Palmer in upstate New York, then travels to find sparring partners who can push him harder. The preparation is intense, but he's learned to be patient. "Anyone can beat anyone as there are a lot of upsets happening in the PSA Tour worldwide," he explained.

His resilience mirrors a larger transformation in Indian men's squash. For the first time ever, India has four players ranked in the world's top 50. That's a dramatic shift from just a few years ago, when only Saurav Ghosal carried the flag in the top rankings.

"I can't remember the last time we had four players ranked in the world's top 50," Tandon said. The depth of talent means India isn't just competing anymore. They're contenders.

Why This Inspires

Tandon's comeback story shows that setbacks don't define careers. At 34, when many athletes are winding down, he's climbing rankings and chasing Olympic dreams. His focus on the Asian Games isn't just about personal redemption. It's about proving that Indian squash belongs on the world stage.

The support structure around Indian squash is growing too. Corporate sponsorships are increasing, and squash was recently added to India's TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme). More home tournaments are popping up, giving Indian players crucial practice in front of supportive crowds.

"It's always wonderful playing at home," Tandon reflected before the Mumbai tournament. Those familiar faces in the crowd represent years of support through injuries, losses, and long roads back.

India has never had a squash world champion, but with unprecedented depth and institutional support, that unknown territory suddenly feels within reach.