Two-time champion Anahat Singh of India cruised into the semi-finals of the women’s event of the 79th WesternIndiaSlam, a USD 9,000 prize-money  Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger event and played at the CCI courts on Friday.

The 16-year-old Anahat Singh defeated eighth seed Anjali Semwal (IND) 11-3, 11-7, and 11-7 in a quarter-final match.

Top seed Akanksha Salunkhe of India also progressed to the semi-finals as she defeated Hong Kong’s Sze Wing Wai in three straight games. Akanksha won at 11-5, 11-4, and 11-3.

In men’s competition, the top two seeds Viktor Byrtus of Czech Republic and Malaysian Ameeshenraj Chandaran advanced to the semi-finals. The Number one seed Viktor easily defeated seventh seed Hong Komg’s Wailok To 11-6, 11-3, and 11-5, while second seed Ameeshenraj Chandaran got the better of fifth seed Yassin Shohdy of Egypt 11-6, 11-2, and 11-5.

Results – Men (quarter-finals): 2-Ameeshenraj Chandaran (MAS) bt. 5-Yassin Shohdy (EGY) 11-6, 11-2, 11-5;

6-Veer Chotrani (IND) bt. 3-Ravindu Laksiri (SRI) 11-7, 10-12, 11-9, 11-4;

4-Rowan Damming (NED) bt. Rahul Baitha (IND) 11-8, 11-5, 11-13, 11-6;

1-Viktor Byrtus (CZE) bt. 7-Wailok To (HKG) 11-6, 11-3, 11-5.

Women (quarter-finals): 2-Anahat Singh (IND) bt. 8-Anjali Semwal (IND) 11-3, 11-7, 11-7;

3-Nour Khafagy (EGY) bt. 6-Wong Po Yui Kirstie (HKG) 11-8, 11-3, 11-9;

5-Jana Swaify (EGY) bt. Bobo Lam (HKG) 4-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8;

1-Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) bt. Sze Wing Wai (HKG) 11-5, 11-4, 11-3.

Maintaining unbeaten run by table-topper MCC (Green) with six wins, they beat MCC (Blue) in a thrilling one- run last ball win in the semifinals of the MCC Pr0-40 Elite League,  played at Oval maidan here yesterday.

Man of the match Amit Chauhan

It was a match full of ups and down with “Green: holding an edge in the end. Batting first “Greens” thanks to their top order batters, scored 206 for eight off the allotted 40 overs. The highlight of their innings were the fifties by Sohail Ansari (57 off 62 balls) and Amit Chauhan(52 off 58 balls) .

Chasing such a huge score, “Blue” gave them  jitters as Ayan Pathan hit up 90. He got good support from other batters as they inched closer to their target. But the “Green” spinners kept their cool and saw “Blues” fell short by single run before their wicket fell in the last over.

Brief scores: MCC (Elite) Pro- 40 League (Semifinals): MCC  (Green)206/8 off 40 overs (Sohail Ansari 57, Amit Chauhan 52; Nisarg Chaudharty 3/20, Chinmay  Patil 2/30, Ayan Phan 2/49) bt MCC (Blue) 205 all out in39.5 overs (Ayan Pathan 90; Amanat Hussain 2/22, Ankush Paswan 2/31, Amit Chauahan 2/32, Sahil Gaikwad 2/40)  by 1 run. MOM – Amit Chauhan .

India’s top seeded Akanksha Salunkhe defeated compatriot Tanvi Khanna 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 12-10 in a women’s secod-round match of the 79th WesternIndiaSlam, a USD 9,000 prize-money  Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger event and played at the CCI courts on Thursday.

Hong Kong’s Bobo Lam at Western India Squash

Meanwhile Hong Hong’s Bobo Lam sored a shock win over 4^th seed Malta’s Colette Sultana 9-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-9.

In Men’ competition, Serbia’s top seed Viktor Byrtus defeated India’s Suraj Kumar Chand (IND) 11-6, 11-7, 11-4.

Top seed Viktor Byrtus (CZE) bt. Suraj Kumar Chand (IND) 11-6, 11-7, 11-4;

Results –

Women (round 2): Bobo Lam (HKG) bt. 4-Colette Sultana (MLT) 9-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-9;

5-Jana Swaify (EGY) bt. Janet Vidhi (IND) 11-1, 11-3, 11-2;

1-Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) bt. Tanvi Khanna (IND) 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 12-10;

Sze Wing Wai (HKG) bt. 7-Tamara Holzbauerová (CZE)3-0: 12-10, 11-4, 11-9;

Sunita Patel (IND) bt. Mahak Talati (IND) 11-1, 11-2, 11-1;

Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) bt. Mehak Dinesh Gupta (IND) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1.

Men (round 2): 1-Viktor Byrtus (CZE) bt. Suraj Kumar Chand (IND) 11-6, 11-7, 11-4;

[7-Wailok To (HKG) bt. Tay Jun Qian (MAS) 11-6, 12-10, 11-4;

Abhishek Pradhan (IND) bt. Shamil Wakeel (SRI) 4-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-7;

Rahul Baitha (IND) bt. 8-Shing Fung Lam (HKG) 4-11, 12-10, 17-15, 11-3;

4-Rowan Damming (NED) bt. Lap Man Au (HKG) 11-2, 12-10, 7-11, 11-5;

Former champion Janet Vidhi of India overcame a strong challenge from Malaysia’s Vinikasheinie Kulasegaran posting a 3-0 win in a women’s first-round match of the 79th WesternIndiaSlam, a USD 9,000 prize-money Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger event and played at the CCI courts on Wednesday.

Janet Vidhi

Vidhi found the going tough initially and won the first game over extra points. She then won a close second game before she got into her stride and comfortably won the third game to complete a 12-10, 11-8, and 11-3 win in 21 minutes to advance to the second round.

Tanvi Khanna of India also progressed to the second round defeating Serbia’s Jelena Dutina 11-4, 11-2, and 11-2 in just 14 minutes.

In men’s action, India’s Rahul Baitha defeated Sri Lanka’s Tuwin Nilakshana Herath 11-3, 11-8, and 11-7 in 27 minutes, while another Indian Suraj Kumar Chand scored a hard-fought ein against compatriot Diwakar Singh clinching a 12-10, 11-8, and 11-9 victory in 38 minutes.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Tay Jun Qian got the better of Australian James Nicholas winning three straight games at 11-8, 11-9, and 11-5 in 24 minutes.

Results – Women (round 1): Sunita Patel (IND) bt. Mahak Talati (IND) 11-1, 11-2, 11-1;

Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) bt. Mehak Dinesh Gupta (IND) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1;

Tanvi Khanna (IND) bt. Jelena Dutina (SRB) 11-4, 11-2, 11-2;

Sze Wing Wai (HKG) bt. Vyomika Khandelwal (IND) 11-9, 11-2, 11-2;

Janet Vidhi (IND) bt. Vinikasheinie Kulasegaran (MAS) 12-10, 11-8, 11-3;

Bobo Lam (HKG) bt. Unnati Tripathi (IND) 11-5, 11-4, 11-5.

Men (round 1): Rahul Baitha (IND) bt. Tuwin Nilakshana Herath (SRI) 11-3, 11-8, 11-7;

Lap Man Au (HKG) bt. Yousif Thani (BRN) 11-4, 3-11, 11-7, 11-3;

Suraj Kumar Chand (IND) bt. Diwakar Singh (IND) 12-10, 11-8, 11-9;

Tay Jun Qian (MAS) bt. James Nicholas (AUS) 11-8, 11-9, 11-5.

A timely unbeaten 125 by Bhagya Patel highlighted B4S CC making the title round of the MCC Pro-40 (Plate Division)  League, played at Oval Maidan here yesterday. Bhagya’s  three figure knock took B4S CC hit up 292 for six off 40overs. But  MCC (Black), in reply, were bundled out for 148 to lose by  thumping 144 runs. They next take on  JSF (Jwala Sport Foundation) in the final. JSF in a low scoring  other semifinals, thrashed by MCC (Orange) by five wickets.

Brief scores:

Semifinals:  (MCC Pro- (Plate Div.) 40 League : B4S CC 292/6 off 40 overs (Bhagya Patel n.o. 125; Govind Kumar 47) bt MCC (Black) 148 all out)(Satyam Ptra47; Kapil Yadav 3/30, Hardik Kumar 2/36) by 144 runs.

MCC (Orange) 76 all out (Vihaan Tylsyan 3/12, Rohit  3/10, Afsar Ali 2/23) lost to JSF 77/5 by five wickets.

All-rounder Siddhant Doshi made small, but useful contributions with bat and ball which helped Navi Mumbai SA emerge champions by snatching a tense and thrilling 21-run win against Sunder CC in the MCA President Cup ‘E & F’ Division final played at the Wankhede Stadium, on Sunday.

Left-handed Doshi scored a 54-ball 72 runs, which included five hits to the boundary ropes and two sixes as Navi Mumbai SA piled on a total of 134 for 9 wickets from their quota of 20 overs. Sunder CC medium pacer Sachin Kumar took 3 wickets for 11 runs and left-arm spinner Haresh Purabiya claimed 2 wickets for 16 runs.

Later, off-spinner Doshi played a significant role with the ball taking 2 wickets for just 9 runs as Sunder CC were restricted to 113 for 9 from their 20 overs. Aakash Palande top-scored with 29 runs while Doshi’s teammates Ahmed Shaikh 2 for 11 and Himanshu Choudhary 2 for 20 shared the wickets.

Brief scores: Navi Mumbai SA 134 for 9, 20 overs (Siddhant Doshi 72; Sachin Kumar 3/11, Haresh Purabiya 2/16) beat Sunder CC 113 for 9, 20 overs (Aakash Palande 29; Siddhant Doshi 2/9, Ahmed Shaikh 2/11, Himanshu Choudhary 2/20). Result: Navi Mumbai SA won by 21 runs.

Indian Master Players’ Table Tennis Association (IMPTTA), which is a registered body of TT players from all over India, was formed recently; to promote the game of Table Tennis in the best way possible. Last week, the Maharashtra unit of IMPTTA, succeeded in hosting their first State Masters’ Table Tennis Tournament at Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai. According to the Hon. Secretary Mr. Sameer Bhate, it was a rehearsal of the big National event of IMPTTA, which is coming up in January 2025. IMPTTA’s Maharashtra unit successfully conducted this State Championship at this venue , by making arrangement of 20 TT tables at this venue and providing all the participants with free breakfast and nutritious lunch on both the days of the tournament.

All the medal winners in Team and Individucal events pose with their trophies/ medals along with guests and officials.

260 participants coming from different parts of Maharashtra, took part in this tournament, which comprised of team events for Men in 39+ and 59+ age groups and team event for women in 39+ age groups. Besides team events there were individual events for men and women in 39+.49+ , 59+, 64+, 69+, 74+ age groups. And there was finest display of skills by the participants, which were also captured on youtube live. This tournament was held in honour of two women TT legends Mangal Saraf and Suhasini Bakre who have won many state, national and international medals in the Masters’ events.   

Mangal Saraf ( L) and Suhasini Bakre( R) pose in front of the banner after the successful conduct of the tournament.

Besides Mangal & Suhasini most of the top players who have won national masters’ championship and also medals at the International Masters’ TT tournaments had taken part in this tournament. Former Sports Secretary of Bank of India Mr. Jayant Pathare along with his wife Ms. Rekha Pathare a former TT player, Mr. Raman Iyer, TT Promoter and his wife Ms. Iyer were the special guests of honour during the prize distribution ceremony. On this occasion, Dr. Nitin Toshniwal from Solapur announced a donation of Rs. 1 lakh to IMPTTA for the conduct of forthcoming National TT championship of IMPTTA.

Results of all the finals are as follows:

Men’s team 39+  : Pune bt Solapur

Men’s Team 59+ : Like Minded ( Mumbai) bt Team Sarosh ( Mumbai) .

Women’s Team 39+ : Sushma Mogre/ Swati Thube bt Suhasini Bakre/ Dr.Reena Bhagat.

Men’s 39+ Singles : Onkar Jog bt Kedar kasbekar 3-0 ( Bronze medals: Deepak Kadam & Suhas Rane)

Men’s 49+ Singles: Tejas Naik bt Dr. Nitin Toshniwal ( Bronze Medals : Debu Chandurkar & Rajesh Singh)

Men’s 59+ Singles: Jogesh Motwani bt Ashok Kalambe 3-0 ( Bronze Medals:Nitish Kumar & Sarosh Shroff.

Men’s 64+ Singles: Prakash Kelkar bt Anil Rasam 3-2 ( Bronze Medals : Mahesh Shetye & Naresh Shah.

Men’s 69+ Singles : Yogesh Desai bt Ulhas Shirke 3-0 (Bronze medals:Deepak Dudhane & Percy Mehta)

Men’s 74 + Singles: Dilip Kurtadkar bt R.R. Borkar 3-0 ( Bronze medals : A.M. Warunkar & Jagdish Anaredy)

Men’s 79+ Singles : A.S. Shaikh bt Satish Shirsat (Bronze:Subodh Narvekar)

Women’s 39+ Singles : Sadiya Vanjara bt Vinita Shukla 3-2 ( Bronze medals : Snehal Bhole & Dr. Reena Bhagat)

Women’s 49+ Singles : Sushma Mogare  bt Sivapriya Naik 3-0 ( Bronze medals:Trupti Machave & Shravani Dhapre)

Women’s 59+ Singles : Swati Agharkar bt Jayashree Nair 3-1 ( Bronze Medals: Manisha Pradhan & Madhavi Sawant)

Women’s 64+ Singles : Suhasini Bakre bt Mangal Saraf 3-1 ( Bronze Medals:Deepa Jain & Ujwala Marathe)   

The 79th edition of the prestigious WesternIndiaSlam, a Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger event commenced with great enthusiasm, drawing top National and International squash players to showcase their skills and sportsmanship. Hosted at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai, the tournament features a USD 9,000 prize each for both the Men’s and Women’s categories, setting the stage for high-stakes competition and thrilling matches over the coming days.

As one of the most celebrated squash events in the country, the tournament has attracted over 700 participants across 21 categories, including juniors, seniors, and veterans. With a rich legacy spanning decades, the Western India Slam continues to play a pivotal role in promoting squash and nurturing budding talent in India.

The opening day featured exciting encounters with players showcasing agility, precision, and mental toughness on the court. Defending champions and emerging players alike are expected to deliver nail-biting matches in their quest for the title.

The finals are scheduled for Sunday 22^nd December, where the champions will be crowned, adding another chapter to this celebrated tournament’s history.

Sports enthusiasts and squash lovers are encouraged to attend and witness this extraordinary display of skill and determination.

 Important Results:

BU11 (Qualification): Aarush Sanghvi (9/16) bt Aryan Doshi 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 ; Agastya Uppal (5/8) bt Aarav Patodia 11-5 11-5 11-4

BU13 (Qualification): Mohan Shingwa bt Rahul Niraguda 11-4 11-6 9-11 5-11 11-2 ; Shourya Rakshit (9/16) bt Neev Shah 11-0 11-5 11-2

BU15 (Qualification): Arjun Parasrampuri bt Mitul Sharma 6-11 11-5 8-11 11-7 11-8 ; Anay Nayar (9/16) bt Mayur Niraguda 11-5 8-11 11-8 3-11 12-10

BU17 (Qualificaiton): Raghav Vashishtha (1) bt Dushyant Dubey 11-4 11-4 11-1 ; Naithik Chand bt Aarav Shah (9/16) 14-16 11-5 11-9 11-5

GU11 (Qualification): Naina Verma (9/16) bt  Krisha Sharma 8-11 11-8 11-4 11-3 ; Sanavi Tidke (1) bt Disha Thakur 11-0 11-2 11-2

GU13 (Qualification): Yogita Pardhi (9/16) bt Vihaa Makhecha 11-3 13-11 11-7

GU15 (Qualification): Aaravi Raina (9/16) bt Vinisha Shetty 11-4 11-5 11-6; Vedanshi Gupta (5/8) bt Samara Munshi 11-4 11-5 11-5

Ex- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) General Secretary of All India Sports and Cultural Council, Subhash Bokil is no more. He passed away today morning in Mumbai. He was 76. He was undergoing treatment for cancer at Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai. He is survived by his son and daughter.

Subhash served as General Secretary of RBI Sports Club, Mumbai from 1976 till 1982. In 1982, he was elected as General Secretary of RBI All India Sports and Cultural Council. And he continued on this post successfully till 1994, when he was transferred to Ahmedabad. Later, he took OERS to settle down in Mumbai. Two years ago, he had lost his wife, who also served RBI and was a former TT player.

During his tenure as Secretary of All India RBI Sports & Cultural Council, the first All India RBI Inter Office Sports meet was conducted in Table Tennis and Football. At that time, Dr. Manmohan Singh was Governor of RBI. And, during his tenure as Gen Secretary of RBI Sports Club, Mumbai, Hockey, Football, Kabbadi and Cricket teams performed very well.

The table tennis A team of RBI during his tenure from 1978 to 1982 had won maximum trophies in team events. In one particular year, the Table Tennis team won as many as 9 titles. And Subhash Bokil rewarded the team members suitably. He was very supportive and even allowed non RBI players to play in RBI Sports club premises after 6 pm. This enabled RBI players to get good practice. Subhash was himself a good TT player and played Inter Office League for RBI teams. The Sports Secretaries who later took over from him were really inspired by his dedication towards  sports promotion and they formed a policy with the help of management to recruit national level top players in RBI. No wonder, today we see big names like Cricketers Smriti Mandhana, KL Rahul, Umesh Yadav,  TT players Srija Akula, Diya Chitale, Ayhika Mukherjee and many others recruited as Officers on sports merit in RBI.

Nitish Kumar representing Team ‘Like Minded’ played a big role in helping his team win the finals of Men’s 59+ team event in the IMPTTA- Mharashtra Masters’ TT State Championship 2024 at the Andheri Sports Complex, today. Playing as their best player, Nitish won both his Singles matches against Sanjay Mehta and Sarosh Shroff of Team Sarosh. His match against Sarosh Shroff was anybody’s game at one stage, as he was down 5-10. Yet, recovering from this stage, Nitish snatched the championship point. Purshottan Markad won the deciding match against Sanjay Mehta to win the Men’s 59+ team event.

Earlier, in the semi finals ‘Like Minded’ had defeated the stronger side of Kalidas Club Mulund, represented by evergreen Prakash Kelkar, Yogesh Desai and Avinash Kothari. In this match Purshottam Markad won both his crucial matches against Prakash Kelkar & Yogesh Desai and Nitish Kumar making a good beginning winning against Yogesh Desai the very first match.

In the Men’s 39+ team event finals, Onkar’s team from Pune, represented by Onkar Jog, Deepak Kadam and Satish Wakradkar shocked favourites Solapur team. Solapur’s best player Manish Rawat won both his singles; but his efforts went in vain, as both Deepak and Wakradkar won their matches against Dr. Nitin Toshniwal, besides winning the crucial doubles.

Elaborate arrangements were made by IMPTTA at this new venue, with 14 tables made available for participants, besides offering free breakfast and mini lunch to all the participants. Presence of many top Master players from all over Maharashtra offered a good competition in today’s team event.

Tomorrow’s individual singles matches will begin at 10 am with finals to be played at 6.30 pm.