Ritwik Bhattacharya
The flag bearer of Indian Squash on Professional Squash Association tour rock was the first of the accomplished junior players to spurn an education in the United States to follow his dreams in squash. With juniors including Saurav Ghosal, Supreet Singh, Sid Suchde, Gaurav Nandarjog, Harinder Pal Sandhu following his lead in recent years, he has brought some momentum in the Indian squash scene.
Now back in India after training in England for five years under Coach Neil Harvey, Ritwik was once India's highest ranked squash player (until superseded by Saurav Ghosal in 2013) and also its most successful with nine PSA tour titles till date. His highest world ranking was #38 in November 2008. He was the first Indian to break into the top 50 of the PSA World Rankings (May 2006).
- He has won the Indian National Squash Championship five times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005).
- He was the finalist at the World Doubles 2004 (Team India, partner: Saurav Ghosal).
- Has earned more than 70 caps playing for India and captained the Indian Team to a top 8 finish in the World Team Championships in 2007.
Personal life
Ritwik Bhattacharya was in relationship with Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia but they split in June 2010. According to reports, Ritwik is now married to Pia Trivedi.[1]
Television appearances
- Ritwik was the runner up in the reality TV show, Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 3.
Trivia about Ritwik
- Italian fashion brand POLICE chose him as their Brand Ambassador in the year 2006-07.
- Was Second place in Khatron Ke Khiladi 3, first being Shabbir Ahluwalia.
- Rajiv Gandhi State Sports Award (2003-2004) for Best Sportsperson presented by Mrs. Sheila Dixit.
- First Indian Squash Player to participate in the Commonwealth Games. He played at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.
- Graduated in 2000 from St Stephen's College, New Delhi with a BA.
- Studied from 1992 to 1997 (8th-12th Grade) at RIMC (Rashtriya Indian Military College), Dehradun.
Ritwik Bhattacharya's PSA ranking and PSA history
References
- ↑ "Ritwik Bhattacharya-Pia Trivedi in love!". 10 July 2012.