Latest news with #SauravGhosal
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Saurav Ghosal calls off comeback, returns to retirement
Bengaluru: Months after Saurav Ghosal came out of retirement and won a PSA Challenger title in Sydney, the squash pro is coming to terms with a difficult decision. The first Indian male player to break into the top 10, Saurav had announced his retirement in April last year after spending over two decades on the PSA Tour. Early this year, he returned with the goal of making it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut. That dream has now been extinguished. 'Basically, I can't play anymore,' Saurav revealed to HT, fighting back emotions. 'My right hip is gone. There's too much degeneration. It's essentially early-stage arthritis of the bone. The specialists have said they can manage it for maybe 12-18 months – but three and a half years is something they can't guarantee. Apparently, the damage can't be reversed. So, if I don't have a guarantee that I can properly try for the Olympics, then it just seems futile in the grand scheme of things.' Had the Olympics been next year, Saurav says he would have put his body on the line. 'I would have tried to manage it with PRP injections and artificial cartilage injections if it were the Olympics instead of the Asian Games next year.' Next year's Asian Games, which he originally planned to play when he announced his comeback, 'doesn't make sense' for him anymore without the end goal of the Olympics. 'An individual Asian Games gold would be nice, but it doesn't pull me hard enough.' For the 38-year-old, the diagnosis hit like a cold shower from hell. 'Now when I look back, since early last year, I've been having issues with my glute and abductor. Only now do we know that it's because the hip is degenerating. When I was in Sydney, I wasn't able to stretch properly after matches because it was hurting. I played through the tournament and afterwards I was limping. I got an MRI done and that's when I learnt I have a condition called Avascular Necrosis (AVN), which is basically lack of blood flow to the bone tissue. Doctors think that the AVN has been triggered by early arthritis. I've been told that I might need a hip replacement at some point. It could be in five years or ten years.' He consulted top doctors, including a hip specialist who works with the British Olympic team. 'He said if I really want to play he'd help me as much as he possibly can. But six months down the line, it could just break down.' Eager to pull all stops for LA 2028, Saurav even considered going for a hip replacement surgery right away. 'It takes nine to twelve months for the prosthesis to set fully. The time frame to qualify for the Olympics then becomes harder because the Asian Games is obviously out. To make it via ranking in a draw of 16, I'll have to be top 15 in the world. To make it into the top 15 in two years, is difficult. Everything put together, it's pretty much like running up a hill the entire time.' He has broken the news to his innermost circle and key stakeholders – family, coaches and sponsors – and was recently announced director of high performance sports at Agilitas, a sportswear manufacturer. He's doing things he's never done before – coordinating with product designers on footwear and apparel for various sports, brainstorming marketing strategies, helping decide athlete endorsements and institutional partnerships and closing the loop with athlete feedback. 'The good thing is it's keeping me really busy so it helps manage the mental pain.' Still, the decision to call off his comeback remains what he calls an 'open wound.' 'I was at the International Olympic Committee athlete forum in Lausanne a few days ago, and in my head, I went, 'Damn, man, I can't play the Olympics.' It really hits you in some moments. It's going to take some getting used to.'
Fashion Network
11-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Agilitas names Saurav Ghosal as director
Agilitas Sports has appointed Indian squash player Saurav Ghosal as its new director for high performance sports. In this strategic leadership role, Ghosal will guide the brand's product innovation, marketing, and distribution strategy across its high-performance category. 'At Agilitas, we are building more than a sports company- we're building an ecosystem that empowers athletes, nurtures innovation, and celebrates high performance,' said Abhishek Ganguly, co-founder and CEO of Agilitas, in a press release. 'Saurav brings a rare blend of elite athlete experience and deep insight into the science of performance.' Ghosal will collaborate with the core leadership team on product development, research and development, and market execution, while shaping grassroots and athlete engagement. Ghosal's appointment comes as Agilitas scales its investment in performance innovation and prepares for upcoming brand launches. 'Agilitas is redefining what an Indian sportswear brand can be,' said Ghosal. 'I'm excited to channel my experience into building a future where Indian athletes are empowered with world-class gear.' Born in Kolkata, Ghosal trained at the ICL Squash Academy in Chennai before refining his skills in the UK. A recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2006, he achieved a career-high world ranking of number 10 in April 2019. Ghosal remains the only Indian to win an individual medal in squash at the Commonwealth Games and has nine Asian Games medals, second only to PT Usha.
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Sojourn Lodging Opens First Tiny House Resort in the Smoky Mountains
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sojourn Lodging, a new boutique tiny house hotel concept in the Smoky Mountains, is officially open and now welcoming guests. Located just outside Pigeon Forge and near the Wears Valley entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sojourn Lodging offers a thoughtfully designed, experience-driven getaway that blends modern comfort with the beauty of the outdoors. Sojourn's focus is on less is more, a place where guests can prioritize connection, exploration, and adventure. Each private tiny house unit includes a walk-in shower, full bathroom, kitchenette, and queen-size loft bedroom, offering guests a cozy, comfier alternative to traditional camping, but a more unique experience than hotels. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend or a solo retreat, Sojourn Lodging is built for those who want to unwind without giving up the comforts of home. ' The concept behind Sojourn Lodging is to build tiny house resorts that reflect the local community. We intentionally designed our Smoky Mountain resort to resemble tiny cabins, a key component of an authentic Smoky Mountain experience. Providing the essentials in a cozy tiny home environment, Sojourn's focus is on less is more, a place where guests can prioritize connection, exploration, and adventure. We are very excited to launch our Sojourn Lodging concept in the Smoky Mountains, and are looking forward to expanding into other communities around the Southeast United States, including Chattanooga, Shenandoah, among others.' Saurav Ghosal, Business Strategist The resort includes a variety of on-site amenities designed to foster connection and relaxation: Pickleball court Community fire pits perfect for evenings under the stars Walking trails surrounded by scenic views A welcoming indoor gathering space at the Welcome Center A mountain observation deck overlooking Mount LeConte Each space was built with intention, offering guests a boutique atmosphere that balances privacy and community, nature and comfort. To celebrate the grand opening, Sojourn Lodging is now accepting reservations for spring and summer stays. Guests can learn more and book directly at About Sojourn Lodging Sojourn Lodging is a Tennessee-based hospitality company dedicated to creating boutique lodging experiences that combine thoughtful design, modern comfort, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. With the launch of Sojourn Lodging, the company introduces its first tiny house hotel, built to bring a fresh perspective to Smoky Mountain stays.
