Mumbai: Ramit Tandon may have recently committed to a full-time squash career, but he believes that the timing of the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is fortuitous for his professional journey.

“I entered at just the right moment, unlike my friend Saurav,” he remarked with a smile.

While Saurav Ghosal, now 38, is grappling with the challenges of an aging body as he gradually returns to the PSA tour after his retirement last year, Tandon, at 32, has made significant progress in recent years, positioning himself as India’s No. 1 player, currently ranked 33rd.

“I view this as the peak of my career. Over the next 3-4 years, I expect to improve further as I gain more experience,” Tandon stated.

It is unusual for a 32-year-old squash professional to discuss “gaining experience,” yet Tandon’s career path has been anything but typical.

As a top junior player, the Columbia University alumnus transitioned from hitting squash balls to navigating Wall Street in a full-time hedge fund role. He made another switch to pursue a professional career just before the 2018 Asian Games, where he contributed to India’s bronze medal-winning team.

Since then, he has established the United States as his primary base for training and competition, securing four PSA titles while advancing in the rankings. He primarily participates in major tour events, with the exception of competing in the JSW Indian Open, a PSA Copper event.

In terms of the number of tournaments and matches played, Tandon stands out. For example, world No. 1 Ali Farag, a contemporary with whom he shares a friendly rivalry from college, has participated in 549 matches, while Tandon's PSA profile indicates he has played less than half that number.

In my category, I probably possess the least amount of experience in terms of years on the circuit, Tandon remarked. Nevertheless, this also implies that my body remains relatively unscathed for my age, which I consider an advantage at this moment. With the Olympics on the horizon, this could prove advantageous in hindsight. I still have some energy reserves.

While there are benefits, there are also drawbacks. Tandon acknowledges that he often loses matches due to his opponents having 10 to 15 more years of experience on the tour. "They exhibit a greater level of mental maturity than I do," he stated.

As he aims to enhance his skills through increased participation in matches, the announcement of squash's inclusion in the Olympics in late 2023 has served as a significant motivator. "A major reason for my current drive is the upcoming Olympics, which aligns perfectly with my timeline."

For the current season, Tandon has identified several Gold and Platinum events in Egypt and Zurich, leading up to the World Championships and the British Open. Having lost the guidance of his mentor—“Saurav has essentially been my coach since I began competing at this level”—Tandon aspires to evolve from merely participating in major events to making a substantial impact.

"In these larger competitions, only two Indian men have reached the Round of 16: Saurav and myself. I aim to change that by advancing to the quarter-finals or semi-finals. Many Indians are content with just qualifying for the World Championship, but that should not be the mindset."

This is not the perspective Tandon wishes to adopt with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in view. His strategy involves finishing this season with a ranking higher than his career-best of 28 in 2024, followed by improved performances in PSA events.

"Mathematically, if I maintain this ranking, I will qualify for LA. The objective is to ascend the rankings and aim for the Olympics with a seeded position."

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