25 years ago, a few squash enthusiasts from
different companies came together to discuss the problems squash faced and
regulate the organization of few tournaments that were held at the time. This
marked the birth of the Squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra.

SRAM’s role is to regulate the game of
squash in the state of Maharashtra which includes the smooth function of
tournaments, selection of state teams, training programs, coaching
programs, creating state ranking system, to co-ordinate with the National
body in the interest of players, co-ordinate with clubs and overall
promote the game in the state. SRAM’s efforts are also towards creation
of an International level squash infrastructure and coordination with
other nodal sports agencies in the government and associations.

Most important is to enforce the squash
rules in conduction of tournaments to ensure fair play, discipline and
good conduct amongthe players.

Though not much could be achieved in the
initial years in terms of promoting the game, a foundation was laid which
helped the successors to turn SRAM in to an institution that has
influenced many youngsters to take to the game.

The first Treasurer of SRAM, Arun Sanghi
remembers how individuals went out of their way to get money for
organising tournaments. Getting publicity was impossible as squash was
considered an elitist sport. No one would sponsor the tournaments as
squash was not popular. All this meant that squash was just an amateur
game played by the well-to-do class of the city.

Times were very difficult. Fortunately,
SRAM had many influential people amongst them and everyone used their
influence for promoting squash. A party would be held after every
tournament with invitations to the who’s who of the city. Slowly