For his part, Harinder (left) — who has largely limited himself to sparring sessions since becoming a full-time coach — is excited to compete again. | Photo Credit: R. RAGU

Since taking over as National head coach of the Indian senior squash teams in September 2025, Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu has been busy designing training camps for the country’s top players and mentoring them from wherever they are based.

Now, the 37-year-old is back on court as a player, partnering 22-year-old Om Semwal in the men’s doubles event at the ongoing National doubles championships in Chennai. This marks the first time in Indian squash that a National head coach is competing in an Open Nationals event.

Cyrus Poncha, Secretary of the Squash Rackets Federation of India, said there was nothing wrong with a player of Harinder’s calibre taking part.

“Harinder sought permission to participate in the event. We’ve got to remember that at the 2022 Asian Games, he won a gold medal alongside Dipika Pallikal. I would see it more as a positive experience that he can offer our players. Even if he wins the tournament, he will not be considered for selection,” said Poncha.

Harinder entered the tournament with Om after his original partner, Ramit Tandon, withdrew because of injury.

For his part, Harinder — who has largely limited himself to sparring sessions since becoming a full-time coach — is excited to compete again.

“I want to share my experience with everyone. Also, doubles tournaments don’t really happen throughout the year,” he said.

Meanwhile, all seeded pairs across categories have been handed first-round byes.

Published on May 13, 2026