Ranveer lends his star power to squash

Ranveer Singh is supporting the game of squash by lending his star power to an upcoming tournament at the behest of a school friend.

Pia Bhattacharya, a squash enthusiast, mentor to budding players and wife of five-time national squash champion, Ritwik Bhattacharya, sent  a text message to Ranveer Singh two days ago, requesting him to be a part of a women’s final match and felicitation program hosted by the Indian Squash Circuit (ISC). “We went to school together. I’ve known him for 14 years. I figured I’d have to go through a certain number to people to get to him but Bollywood hasn’t managed to change Ranveer,” Pia said to a leading daily, adding that World Rank 10, Joshna Chinappa, and World Rank 19, Dipika Pallikal, were ecstatic to hear the news too.

“Our squash players really need the publicity and Bollywood has a great influence on Indians. When a superstar endorses a sport, it changes the entire game. Ranveer is always helping friends, family, and is the kind of man who would walk out of his car to help someone on the street,” Pia said. Apart from the ceremony, Ranveer will also play a friendly match with the young women.

Ranveer is equally excited about the game and the tournament. “In a year when Indian female athletes have done the country proud at both the Olympics as well as the Para Olympics, I believe women squash players have it in them to be at the top. With some of the world’s best players leading the way, I’m sure there is a significant and untapped opportunity to generate interest and engagement of potential women players with this sport through such tournaments,” said the young star.