‘Everything positive has its negatives too’: Ramit Tandon on home pressure, Indian Open and Asian Games focus

New Delhi: With the 2026 Indian Open around the corner, Indian squash player Ramit Tandon is preparing to compete on home soil. The tournament, scheduled from March 18 to 22 at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, comes during a crucial year for Tandon, who is also targeting the 2026 Asian Games — an event that could pave the way to Olympic qualification.

In an interaction with IANS, Tandon spoke about the progress of Indian squash, the mixed emotions of playing at home, and his long-term goals. As someone who has witnessed both the earlier generation and the emerging crop of players, he believes Indian squash is currently in a strong phase supported by better infrastructure and backing.

With just over a week left before the Indian Open, Tandon is currently in his taper phase — the final stage of preparation when training intensity is reduced to help athletes peak during competition.

“Preparations have been going well. I still have around a week and a half before the event, so I’m in the taper phase now. It’s been a good few weeks. It’s also nice to be home because normally I’m travelling across the world for tournaments and training camps. Whenever we get the chance to compete in India, it feels special — you’re home, comfortable, and well looked after,” Tandon said.

Being at home allows him to focus on recovery, avoid constant travel and work closely with his support team. However, the Asian Games remains the biggest priority in his calendar this year.

“It’s definitely the most important event of the year. The Asian Games itself carries huge prestige, but beyond that it also offers a pathway to the Olympics, which is very exciting for squash because we haven’t been part of the Games before. For many Asian players in the top tier, it’s a major opportunity,” he explained.

According to Tandon, his training programme is designed with that goal in mind.

“My coaching team plans everything. We’ve structured the entire season around peaking at the Asian Games. Every tournament before that, including the Indian Open, is part of that larger plan.”

Reflecting on Indian squash, Tandon believes he belongs to a transitional generation — one that sits between established legends and the rising young stars.

He pointed to former stalwarts like Saurav Ghosal, Harinder Sandhu, Joshna Chinappa, and Dipika Pallikal, who helped build a foundation for today’s players.

“It’s unfair to compare generations. In cricket, for example, people say Virat Kohli built on what Sachin Tendulkar achieved, and someone like Shubman Gill is now building on Virat’s legacy. Sports work in a similar chain,” he said.

“If players like Saurav, Joshna or Dipika hadn’t been there, we probably wouldn’t have the strong pipeline we see today, including players like Anahat Singh.”

He believes the current generation is benefiting from stronger support systems, including corporate sponsorships and government schemes.

“Today we have better infrastructure, more funding and programmes like TOPS supporting athletes. These were not always available to the earlier generation. So naturally we should perform better — that’s the idea of progress,” he said.

Tandon also emphasised the importance of hosting international events like the Indian Open in the country.

“India now has more players in the world’s top 50 than ever before, so bringing international tournaments here raises the level of competition. It also gives us the home advantage — we’re used to the conditions and get to spend time with family.”

Another key benefit, he added, is reduced travel and better access to his support staff.

“When you’re constantly on the road, it’s hard to have your entire support team around you. Playing at home means my physios and trainers are easily available. After missing the 2022 Asian Games because of a hamstring injury, staying fit and rested is very important.”

Hosting major tournaments at home also inspires young players.

“When kids — eight or ten years old — watch top-level international squash live in India, it changes their perspective. They start believing that they can reach that level too.”

At the same time, Tandon admitted that competing at home comes with added pressure.

“Everything that’s positive also has a negative side. Playing at home is comfortable — the conditions suit you — but expectations also increase. People want you to perform well, and you feel that pressure,” he said.

For him, learning to handle that pressure is an essential part of an athlete’s growth.

“You can’t run away from pressure. You have to deal with it and grow through it. Sometimes the lessons you learn from these situations may not show immediate results, but they help you become mentally tougher for bigger events like the Asian Games.”

He also believes Indian society tends to focus heavily on results rather than the process.

“We’re very result-oriented. Like when students finish their board exams, the first question is always, ‘How much did you score?’ Sports are often viewed the same way — people ask whether you won or lost. But the bigger question is whether the experience is helping you improve as a player and as a person.”

Looking ahead, Tandon described squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a historic moment for the sport.

“It’s probably the biggest achievement for world squash. The sport has tried many times to enter the Olympics, and finally getting that chance in Los Angeles 2028 is huge. For players like me and for Indian squash, it’s an incredible opportunity,” he said.

With the Indian Open approaching and the Asian Games on the horizon, Tandon’s focus remains clear — building form, staying healthy and peaking when it matters the most.

With inputs from IANS