“Two gold medals would do the job”: Velavan Senthilkumar’s big Asian Games ambition

Beyond the Asian Games, squash’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028 has given this phase of Velavan’s career greater significance. At 28, he accepts that he has reached a crucial period, but insists his motivation remains rooted in something simpler. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

For much of last season, Velavan Senthilkumar felt there was something missing in his game. The Indian squash player could not consistently produce the standard he believed he was capable of, and his world ranking slipped from a career-high No. 39 to No. 54.

The answer arrived when Velavan began the new PSA season by winning the Budapest Open, the biggest title of his career. More importantly, the result came only weeks before the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where he will compete in the men’s team and mixed doubles events.

“Last season, there were quite a few weeks when I wasn’t able to find the missing piece, either in my squash or mentally. I couldn’t produce the consistency and quality I wanted,” Velavan told Sportstar.

Watch the full interview here

“It was a bit of a struggle, but I’m glad I could put in a good amount of work over the summer. I feel that is starting to pay off.”

There was no radical technical overhaul behind the turnaround. During the break between seasons, Velavan worked on his physical conditioning and focused on consistently hitting the key areas of the court. Budapest offered evidence that the work had translated into competition.

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The big result was his straight-games victory over World No. 18 Eain Yow Ng, the reigning Asian Games champion. Velavan defeated the Malaysian 11-2, 11-9, 11-8 for the biggest individual win of his career.

He then came through a demanding all-Indian semifinal against Veer Chotrani. After losing the fourth game 1-11, Velavan recovered to take the decider 12-10. He completed the week by beating Hungary’s Balazs Farkas in straight games in the final, securing his 11th PSA title and his first Copper-level crown.

“The win gives me a lot of confidence, especially heading into the Asian Games,” he said. “This was the first PSA event of the season, so it has been a great start.”

Velavan Senthilkumar, seeded eighth, won the Budapest Squash Open, defeating ninth-seeded Balazs Farkas of Hungary 11-4, 11-2, 11-3 in 31 minutes in the final last month. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

India will travel to Japan as the defending champion in the men’s team event, although Abhay Singh is the only player remaining from the quartet that won gold in Hangzhou. Velavan, Chotrani and Suraj Chand complete the new-look side.

The current quartet, however, is not an untested combination. The four formed the Indian team that finished fifth at the 2024 World Team Championships, equalling the country’s best result in the competition.

“All of us have an important role to play, and we have performed well together before,” Velavan said. “I am confident we will bring out the best in ourselves at the Asian Games.”

The preparations included an eight-day camp in Chennai in August, where the Indian contingent trained with three top-40 players: Spain’s Bernat Jaume and Frenchmen Gregoire Marche and Melvil Scianimanico. The camp combined singles and doubles sessions, with the squad scheduled to reconvene in Chennai shortly before leaving for Japan.

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In mixed doubles, Velavan will partner the experienced Joshna Chinappa. Their friendship off the court has helped the partnership, while Chinappa’s experience in the format has also benefited Velavan.

“I love playing with Joshna,” he said. “She brings the expertise and experience of playing doubles, and it is nice to learn the subtleties of the format from her.”

Beyond the Asian Games, squash’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028 has given this phase of Velavan’s career greater significance. At 28, he accepts that he has reached a crucial period, but insists his motivation remains rooted in something simpler.

“I love playing and competing, and I’m really passionate about the sport,” he said. “I have my own goals and ambitions, but passion is the main reason I play squash.”

Asked what would constitute a satisfying Asian Games campaign, Velavan did not hesitate.