NDA Open Squash: Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence and Sporting Diversity

In a spirited celebration of the National Defence Academy’s (NDA) remarkable journey of ’75 Glorious Years,’ the institution played host to the ‘NDA Open Squash.’ This prestigious Two Star National ranking squash tournament, conducted under the auspices of the Squash Racket Federation of India (SRFI), unfolded within the state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Complex at the National Defence Academy from September 15th to September 17th, 2023. The tournament was a true testament to the essence of sportsmanship and unity, attracting 198 participants, including national-level players, serving officers, veterans, and NDA cadets.

Diverse Talent on Display:

The ‘NDA Open Squash’ showcased sporting diversity at its finest, encompassing 10 distinctive categories for both men and women. This platform celebrated not only the prowess of seasoned athletes but also the exuberance of youth. The youngest contender, a mere 10 years old, exhibited remarkable enthusiasm, while the oldest participant, at the age of 86, embodied the enduring spirit of squash enthusiasts.

Honoring Excellence:

The culmination of the tournament was marked by a grand prize distribution ceremony, where trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the top two players in each category. The winners in their respective categories were:

1. Senior Men: Mr. Chaitanya Shah (Maharashtra)
2. Senior Women: Ms. Janet Vidhi (Maharashtra)
3. Men Over 35: Mr. Paul Ipe (Karnataka)
4. Men Over 40: Mr. Sanjay Pawar (Maharashtra)
5. Men Over 45: Mr. Benjamin Nedarapalli (Maharashtra)
6. Men Over 50: Brig Anuj Kalia, VSM (Armed Forces)
7. Men Over 55: Gp Capt Saurabh Deokuliar (Armed Forces)
8. Men Over 60: Col Ashun Bahl (Retd) (Armed Forces)
9. Men Over 65: Mr. Vijay Jaini (Haryana)
10. Men Over 70: Mr. Kishan Lal (Maharashtra)

A Legacy of Sporting Excellence:

The ‘NDA Open Squash’ not only celebrated sporting excellence but also echoed the enduring legacy of the National Defence Academy. This event served as a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting unity through sports, and marking 75 glorious years of shaping future leaders and athletes.