Akshat has been athletic and passionate about sports since childhood, and his dedication to excellence has only grown over time. His journey in sports began with an impressive achievement: winning his first 5km marathon at just six years of age. Soon after, he swam a mile when he was just seven, a feat that marked the start of his swimming journey. As he continued participating in swimming and marathon events at various clubs in the city, his accolades piled up. Each victory fuelled his passion for sports, pushing him to pursue them more seriously.

In November 2020, when the pandemic hit, swimming pools closed, and group classes were suspended. It was then that Akshat stumbled upon squash, picking up a racquet to play a casual game with his brother at the Calcutta Swimming Club. What began as a leisure activity for the La Martiniere for Boys student quickly evolved into a serious commitment. Akshat was drawn to the intense physical and mental demands of squash — the energy, focus, and fitness it required resonated with him. His natural athleticism, early exposure to various sports, and unwavering determination helped him excel in squash and turn it into his new passion.

Joining the Calcutta Racket Club (CRC) was a turning point in Akshat’s squash journey. For over five decades, CRC has been a major hub for squash in Eastern India, nurturing players who have competed at national and international levels, including renowned players like Saurav Ghosal and Ramit Tandon. When Akshat joined CRC, he often watched Ramit practise and admired his technique and dedication. Watching his idol, whom he affectionately calls “Ramit Bhaiya”, further drove his ambition to excel in squash. Akshat has been training under coach Gautam Das, who served as the coach for India’s junior and senior teams from 2008 to 2015.

At the age of 10, Akshat participated in his first National Circuit tournament at the Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex in Allahabad, marking his entry into competitive squash outside his hometown. The experience was both thrilling and challenging, as it was his first time competing at a national level. He clinched second place in the Boys Under-11 category, a victory that strengthened his resolve to pursue squash more seriously.

Since then, Akshat has competed in multiple cities across India, winning titles in Chandigarh, Delhi, Telangana and Allahabad.

In August, Akshat had achieved the prestigious rank of India’s number one in the Boys Under-13 category, making him only the second junior player from West Bengal to attain this position in the last 15 years, following in the footsteps of squash champion Ramit Tandon.

Looking ahead, Akshat dreams of representing India in international championships, especially the Olympics, where squash will make its debut in LA 2028. To prepare, he is concentrating on building strength, fitness, and mental resilience, all of which will be crucial as he transitions to the Under-15 category. Here, he expects more demanding matches and intense competition, so he has ramped up his training to ensure he can compete at the higher level. t2 wishes all the best to the young champ!