After establishing itself as a premier destination for professional golf with pristine lawns in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh is now gearing up to host one of India's most prominent squash tournaments. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao unveiled the official logo of the multinational Eastern Slam 2026, a five-star-ranked event expected to draw hundreds of players from across the country and abroad.
Event Details and Recognition
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 22 to June 27 at the Squash Complex in Budhapara, Raipur. It has been recognized by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) and the Professional Squash Association (PSA), and awarded a five-star rating by the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), highlighting its significance on the national squash calendar.
Participation and Prize Money
A total of 349 players from three countries and 21 Indian states are expected to participate, making it one of the largest squash events ever hosted in Chhattisgarh. The tournament boasts a prize purse of $2,000 and is anticipated to attract national and global attention to the state's growing sports infrastructure.
Official Statements
Speaking at the logo launch ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao remarked that Chhattisgarh is steadily emerging as a hub for national sporting events. He emphasized that hosting international-standard competitions provides local athletes with valuable exposure and opportunities to compete against top players. Senior officials of the Chhattisgarh Squash Association, including Vishnu Kumar Srivastava and Rahul Sahu, were present at the event. They expressed confidence that the event would promote squash in the state and strengthen Chhattisgarh's position on the national and international sports map.
Local Impact
About 50 players from Chhattisgarh are expected to participate in the tournament. Officials noted that the Eastern Slam 2026 is poised to provide a significant boost to the state's sporting ecosystem, offering local talents a rare opportunity to compete alongside leading national and international players on home turf.
