Indian Open Squash 2026 Set for March 18–22 in Mumbai
The second edition of the Indian Open, a Professional Squash Association (PSA) Copper event, will be held from March 18 to 22 at the historic CCI Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Organisers have announced that tickets for the tournament are now live, marking the start of preparations for one of India’s fastest-growing squash competitions.
Recognised by the PSA, the Indian Open is building on the momentum of its inaugural edition in 2025, which earned recognition as one of the Top 10 Iconic PSA Events of the year. The 2026 tournament aims to expand its international footprint while providing Indian players with greater exposure to elite global competition.
The upcoming edition will feature defending women’s champion Anahat Singh returning as one of the headline names. The player lineup includes leading Indian professionals such as Ramit Tandon, Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani, Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa.
International talent is also expected to elevate the competition, with players including Yahya Elnawasany, Hana Moataz and Mazen Hesham among the confirmed participants. The mix of established names and emerging athletes signals a competitive week of world-class squash.
A key highlight for 2026 is the introduction of equal prize money across men’s and women’s events, with a total prize purse of USD 44,500 each — a first for a squash tournament in India. Organisers say the move reflects broader efforts to promote parity and raise the sport’s professional standards domestically.
The tournament schedule will culminate in high-profile knockout matches played on a fully glass court, an arena-style setup designed to bring fans closer to the action. The quarterfinals, semifinals and finals are expected to create a stadium-like viewing experience and increase spectator engagement.
The decision to host the event at the Brabourne Stadium adds historical significance, combining a traditional sporting venue with modern squash presentation. The format mirrors leading PSA tournaments globally, where glass courts have become central to enhancing broadcast and live audience appeal.
The tournament’s timeline — from early rounds to finals over five days — reflects the PSA Copper format, balancing player workload with high-intensity competition.
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India, highlighted the tournament’s rapid rise on the international calendar. He said the Indian Open has emerged as an important stop on the PSA circuit, giving Indian athletes regular exposure to top-tier opposition while increasing the sport’s visibility across the country.
Poncha added that the 2026 edition is focused on expanding the event’s global relevance and encouraging fans to experience elite squash live, which organisers believe is essential for the sport’s long-term development in India.
Players have also viewed the tournament as a platform to earn ranking points and compete in front of home crowds, an advantage often limited in individual sports like squash.
The Indian Open’s growth reflects broader momentum in Indian squash, where a new generation of athletes is gaining international recognition. Equal prize money and increased international participation signal the tournament’s ambition to align with global standards.
Hosting a PSA event of this scale is expected to strengthen India’s position within the global squash ecosystem, attract sponsors and encourage grassroots participation. The presence of international players also enhances competitive depth and provides benchmarking opportunities for Indian professionals.
Sports analysts note that consistent hosting of international events is a key factor in developing talent pipelines and expanding audience interest.
With a stronger lineup, equal prize money and an upgraded spectator experience, the Indian Open Squash 2026 is poised to become a major fixture on India’s sporting calendar. The tournament’s return to Mumbai highlights the country’s growing role in hosting international racket sports and signals long-term investment in squash infrastructure and visibility.
As the PSA calendar continues to diversify geographically, events like the Indian Open are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Asia’s presence in global squash competitions.
Our Final Thoughts
The Indian Open Squash 2026 represents more than a competitive tournament — it signals a shift in how individual sports are being positioned in India. By combining international participation, equal prize money and enhanced fan engagement, organisers are setting new benchmarks for squash events in the region. The return of top Indian players alongside global contenders creates both sporting excitement and developmental value. If the tournament sustains its momentum, it could become a consistent pathway for Indian athletes to climb global rankings while strengthening the sport’s domestic following. The coming edition will be closely watched as a measure of India’s growing influence in international squash.
