15th DDA Open Squash Tournament gets underway at Siri Fort Sports Complex, N Delhi

The Delhi Development Authority has been organising a National Level Squash Tournament since last 14 years at Siri Fort Sports Complex (SFSC).  This year it is the 15th DDA Open Squash Tournament being held from 8th -12th October, 2008 with a prize money of 4.47 lacs which will be given away to winners and runners-up in 13 different categories. The categories are Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Boys U 19 Yrs, Boys U 17 Yrs, Boys U 15 Yrs, Boys U 13 Yrs, Boys U 11 Yrs, Girls U 17 Yrs, Girls U15 Yrs, Girls U 13 Yrs, Men’s above 35 Yrs, Veterans above 45 Yrs and Professionals. The total no. of entries received is 492.

This year there is a remarkable increase in the no. of entries at junior level below 17 yrs. which is more than 270. It is a very encouraging step towards the promotion of sports at grass root level.

The participation in the tournament is from all over the country i.e. Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Chennai, Himachal, Hyderabad etc. This being an open tournament even the foreigners residing in India are taking part.

The first round started on 8th October, 2008 with children less than 11 yrs of age moving with their squash rackets in their hands with genuine competitive spirit. They had great fun on and off the courts.

Efforts like this tournament go a long way in evolving India towards a Sporting Culture – with special emphasis on sports like Squash which also develop Life Skills in our children. As the Commonwealth Games 2010 arrive one can look forward to generating a citizen’s movement with sports as the prime mover.

Col (Retd.) O.P. Maheshwari

Secretary (SFSC)