Saurav Ghosal on overcoming burnout, retirement, and rediscovering the joy of playing squash: A Sportstar Podcast

After over two decades of dominating the squash scene, Indian squash legend Saurav Ghosal has decided to bid adieu to the PSA tour at the age of 37. The decision comes after a long and illustrious career that saw him compete at the highest level for 21 years.

In a recent interview, Ghosal opened up about the process that led to his retirement decision. Reflecting on his career, he shared that the tipping point came when he realized he was continuing to play more out of fear of letting go rather than pure love for the game. He didn’t want the final phase of his professional career to be one he didn’t look back fondly upon.

Despite stepping back from the PSA tour, Ghosal is not done with squash just yet. He has his sights set on the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028, aiming to represent India on the grandest stage of them all. His decision to retire from the PSA circuit but continue playing for India has been met with support from his family, coaches, and the Squash Rackets Federation of India.

Looking ahead, Ghosal is focused on preparing for upcoming tournaments, including the World Teams in December and the Asian Individual Championships in 2025. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but is determined to make the most of this new chapter in his squash journey.

As he embarks on this new phase of his career, Ghosal remains grateful for the opportunities and achievements he has had in the sport. With a vision board that includes goals like winning gold at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, as well as potentially competing at the Olympics, Ghosal’s passion for squash continues to drive him forward.