VELAVAN SENTHILKUMAR

Velavan Senthilkumar is the leading player of an exciting new generation of up-and-coming young Indian players competing on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

Indian No.1 & Indian National Champion (2023)
Winner of 13 Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles
British Junior Open Squash Champion (2016)
Indian No.1 & Indian National Champion in all junior age groups (U13 to U19)

Based at the Barcelona Global Academy (BGS) under the stewardship of Victor Monserrat, Velavan Senthilkumar is an emerging force in the world of squash who has been making significant strides in the sport since his early teens. Born in 1998, in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Velavan has quickly risen through the ranks, establishing himself as one of the most promising young players on the international squash circuit.

Velavan's journey in squash began at a young age, influenced by his father's passion for the sport. Under the tutelage of Cyrus Poncha and Major Maniam at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai, he honed his skills and developed a competitive edge that would later become his hallmark. His dedication to rigorous training and his natural athleticism allowed him to excel in junior competitions, setting the stage for his future successes on the professional circuit.

One of the defining moments of Velavan's junior career came in 2016 when he won the prestigious British Junior Open Squash Championship. This victory was a significant milestone, marking him as the third Indian to win the title, following the footsteps of squash legends Ritwik Bhattacharya and Saurav Ghosal. His triumph at the British Junior Open not only brought him international recognition but also solidified his status as a rising star in Indian squash.

Velavan's transition from junior to senior competitions was seamless.

As a student-athlete at Columbia University in New York, Velavan balanced his academic commitments with his squash career, an impressive feat that speaks to his discipline and time-management skills. Competing in the Ivy League and representing Columbia Lions, he continued to hone his game, gaining valuable experience and exposure on the collegiate circuit.

Velavan's professional career has seen a steady climb up the PSA World Rankings. Known for his agility, precise shot-making, and tactical intelligence, he has secured several notable victories on the professional circuit.

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Velavan has remained focused on his goals, adapting his training and competition schedule to the evolving circumstances. His resilience and adaptability are indicative of his potential to reach greater heights in the sport.

In addition to his on-court achievements, Velavan has also been an ambassador for Indian squash, inspiring a new generation of players. His journey from a young boy in Salem to an international squash player serves as a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the support of the Indian squash community.

Playing in his first tournament as an UNSQUASHABLE player, Velavan reached the final of the 2024 Indian National Squash Championships in Mumbai and quickly claimed his maiden PSA title with UNSQUASHABLE when he won the ACE Challenger Tour event staged at the National Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia without dropping a single game.

Velavan joined UNSQUASHABLE in 2024 and uses UNSQUASHABLE performance rackets, shoes, clothing, strings, grips and luggage, alongside working with our research and development team to provide valuable input into future product innovations to ensure that UNSQUASHABLE continue to develop the best possible equipment not only for professional competition but also for the everyday player.