Long before India became a rising force in international squash, two prodigies made history on home soil — Adrian Ezra and Ritwik Bhattacharya, both of whom earned the title of India’s youngest national squash champions, setting the tone for a new era in the sport.
In the 1980s, Adrian Ezra, a gifted teenager from Mumbai, took the squash world by surprise when he captured the Men’s National Championship title at just 15 years of age — an extraordinary feat that still stands as a milestone in Indian squash history. A natural talent with remarkable court craft and composure, Ezra’s early success highlighted the immense potential of Indian youth in the game.
A decade later, Ritwik Bhattacharya, hailing from Delhi, followed suit and brought fresh energy to the Indian squash circuit. Known for his athleticism and fierce determination, Ritwik won the Senior National Championship at the age of 17, becoming the youngest champion of his time. His achievement not only broke age barriers but also ignited a professional era in Indian squash.
Ritwik went on to become the first Indian male squash player to break into the top 50 of the PSA world rankings, laying a solid foundation for future stars like Saurav Ghosal and Ramit Tandon. He also played a vital role in mentoring young talent and promoting squash across India post-retirement.
Together, Adrian Ezra and Ritwik Bhattacharya stand as pioneering figures in India’s squash legacy — symbols of early excellence, youthful dominance, and inspirational drive. Their stories continue to motivate young players striving to make their mark on both national and global stages.
