India’s campaign at the World Squash Championships 2026 in Giza was reduced to a single player on Saturday after Velavan Senthilkumar and Ramit Tandon suffered opening-round defeats.
With the two exits, Veer Chotrani remains the only Indian left in the tournament following his upset win over compatriot Abhay Singh earlier this week.
World No. 50 Velavan was outclassed by France’s sixth seed and world No. 5 Victor Crouin in straight games, losing 11-8, 11-8, 11-3 at the Palm Hills Club and PGC Golf Central Mall.
The defeat marked Velavan’s third loss against Crouin in as many meetings on the PSA circuit. The Frenchman, a two-time World Games champion, controlled the rallies throughout and never allowed the Indian to build momentum.
Chotrani now carries India’s hopes
Meanwhile, world No. 40 Ramit Tandon lost 3-1 against Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey in their first-ever meeting on tour. Tandon lost 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-0 as the Egyptian finished strongly to close out the contest.
The two winners, Crouin and El Torkey, will now face each other in the second round.
India’s remaining challenge rests with Chotrani, who produced one of the biggest wins of his career by defeating India No. 1 Abhay Singh in a five-game thriller in the opening round.
However, the task ahead will be significantly tougher. Chotrani is set to face reigning world No. 1 Mostafa Asal in the second round on Sunday.
India had sent a four-member contingent to the championships. The country is still searching for its first-ever singles medal at the World Squash Championships.
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