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In 1978, Inter-Office tournament was the only major tournament held in the city after the Maharashtra State Tournament and the Western India Tournament. Squash could only be played at premier clubs like Willingdon Gymkhaha, Bombay Gymkhana and Cricket Club of India. Only few played squash as others could not afford memberships to these clubs. Inder Chaterjee, Executive Director of Mahindra and Mahindra Limited was the first to think about forming a squash association. Chaterjee proposed the idea to several other squash players and the association officially came into existence. The main purpose of the association was to discuss problems squash faced and find the solutions. Apart from that, there was also the task of organising the few tournaments. We held meetings and discussed the problems. But not a great deal was achieved as there was a lack of funds that hampered our intentions. There was also a lack of genuine interest for squash says Naval Pandole, a member of the first SRAM committee. Though not much could be achieved in the initial years in terms of promoting the game, a foundation was laid which helped the successors to turn SRAM in to an institution that has influenced many youngsters to take to the game. The first Treasurer of SRAM, Arun Sanghi remembers how individuals went out of their way to get money for organising tournaments. Getting publicity was impossible as squash was considered an elitist sport. No one would sponsor the tournaments as squash was not popular. All this meant that squash was just an amateur game played by the well-to-do class of the city. Times were very difficult. Chaterjee would get some sponsorship from Mahindras and I would arrange something from Sah and Sanghi. This way we could arrange for the inter-office tournament. Fortunately, we had many influential people amongst us and everyone used their influence for promoting squash, says Sanghi. A party would be held after every tournament with invitations to the who’s who of the city. Slowly but steadily people began noticing squash. Press coverage increased and money started coming in. The tide turned when glass courts were introduced in India in the early 90’s. Squash was no longer closed inside four walls. It was now a spectator sport fast, exciting and thrilling. It started influencing the youngsters and its popularity was on a rise. SRAM then invited Jansher Khan to play a few exhibition games and needless to say, the legend drew capacity crowds. Things started to change for the better. Gone were the days when sponsorship was an issue. With the introduction of public squash courts, the game was no longer elitist, meant only for those with membership to premier clubs. Squash was now a professional sport that the masses took to. Anyone with the passion for the game had a chance and SRAM made sure they were given the opportunity to perform at a competitive level. With every passing year, squash began gaining popularity and SRAM, on its part, started organising more tournaments every year with the number crossing 15 in the last few years. Time had changed and so also people’s perception. The transition was clear. Squash is no longer an elitist game it has changed in to the fastest growing sport in the country. SOURCE: http://www.ispsquash.com/SRAM_ABOUT.HTM |
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