In squash - The Podcast

Adam Hawal rejoins the In Squash Podcast to talk about an exciting new chapter in his squash career after a hugely promising 2025/26 season on the PSA Tour.

Adam made a real impression last season, including a memorable 3-1 victory over Paul Coll at the Egyptian Open, while ranked around 250 in the world. He went on to qualify for both the British Open and World Championships, reaching the last 16 at the British Open, as well as making the World Junior Championship final.

Now, rather than continuing straight onto the PSA Tour, Adam has taken his talents to Columbia University, beginning his college squash journey in New York. We talk about his decision to take the college route, adjusting to life at Columbia, the differences between the PSA and college environments, and what he hopes to achieve over the coming years.

We also look back at some of his recent PSA experiences, including his run to the Maspeth Steel Court final, and get Adam's thoughts on some of the action and storylines we've seen at the Qatar Classic.

Michael Absalom joins the In Squash Podcast to discuss his journey in squash, from his early days in the sport through to his work in broadcasting and his transition from MC to SquashTV analyst and commentator.

Michael shares his thoughts on the Shorbagy interview that made waves, the Asal hand grab controversy, the current men’s game and the players at the top of the sport, as well as the return of Nouran Gohar and the women’s game. We also look ahead to the new SquashTV season and discuss how squash broadcasting can continue to add value for fans.

A great conversation with one of the familiar voices behind the modern presentation of professional squash.

Follow Michael: @michaelabsalompresenter

The Nash Cup gets underway today as the Canadian swing of PSA events begins. Jay Nash discusses the build-up to the tournament, changes to the men’s draw and the challenges of navigating the unexpected when running a PSA event.

The women’s draw is stacked with some of the game’s best young talent, while two past Canadian Nash Cup champions, David Baillargeon and Hollie Naughton, return to the event. The conversation also covers the Nashionals, the strong squash culture in London, Ontario, and the impact of Jack Fairs on the game.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Nash Cup and the people and passion that continue to drive squash in Canada.

Newly crowned British National Champion Simon Herbert joins the In Squash Podcast for Episode 411.

Herbert reflects on his impressive run to the British National title, his chances heading into the event, and what it means to add his name to a list of past champions that includes some of the biggest names in squash.

The conversation also covers his experiences playing in Canada, the upcoming Nash Cup in London, Ontario, his work with coach Rob Owen, and his National Squash League title with the Chicago Grizzlies.

A great conversation with one of the rising names in the professional game.

George Parker returns to the In Squash Podcast for Episode 410, just months after winning the London Open and then retiring from the PSA Tour at the age of 29.

George reflects on his decision to walk away from professional squash, the highlights of his PSA career, his experiences with discipline and controversy on tour, and what life looks like away from the professional game. We also discuss his move into padel and what squash might be able to learn from the sport’s incredible global growth.

A fascinating conversation with one of England’s top squash players about leaving the tour, finding a new direction, and the next chapter.

Former World No. 3 Stuart Davenport joins us for a fascinating trip back to the golden era of squash and an inside look at what it takes to reach the very top of the game.

Davenport talks candidly about his own career and his experiences competing at the highest level, including his run to the semi-finals of the 1983 World Championships — an event dominated by the extraordinary Jahangir Khan, who went through the tournament without dropping a game.

But this conversation goes well beyond the history books.

Stuart breaks down the mental game of squash, including the importance of concentration, the ability to thrive within the chaos of a match, and the subtle skills that can separate the very best players in the world from those ranked much lower.

We also get into one of the less-discussed aspects of elite squash: working the referee — how players manage the relationship with the official, influence the rhythm of a match, and use every available edge to their advantage. Stuart shares his observations of players who have mastered this art across different generations.

And perhaps most intriguingly, Stuart offers his inside perspective on Paul Coll's remarkable rise from World No. 80 at the age of 23 to World No. 3 by 26. What did he see in Coll that helped explain such a rapid ascent? What separates a very good professional from a true virtuoso?

A fascinating conversation about performance, psychology, tactics, referees, chaos, concentration and what it really takes to become one of the best players in the world.

Episode 408 – Declan James: Back to His Best, the Road to LA 2028, and Representing Jamaica

After one of the toughest setbacks of his career, Declan James is back.

The former World No. 15 returned from a ruptured Achilles in late 2023, but as he explains in this episode, coming back to the PSA Tour and truly feeling like yourself again are two very different things. Following a strong 2025/26 campaign that included last-16 appearances at both the British Open and the World Championships, Declan reflects on a season that, in my view, flew under the radar.

We discuss the long road back from injury, the physical and mental challenges of rebuilding confidence, memorable victories over Mohamed Abouelghar, battles with Paul Coll and Karim Abdel Gawad, and the influence of former World Champion Nick Matthew on both his game and mindset.

We also spend plenty of time on one of the biggest stories in squash: Declan's decision to represent Jamaica as he begins his pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He explains how the opportunity came about, what wearing the green, black and gold would mean to him, and what the qualification pathway looks like over the next two years.

Finally, Declan shares his thoughts on where professional squash needs to go next. From branding and marketing the sport more effectively to attracting a younger audience and capitalizing on the momentum leading into the Olympic era, he offers a thoughtful perspective on how the PSA can continue to grow the game.

At only 19 years old, Amina Orfi has already achieved what most players spend an entire career chasing. The four-time World Junior Champion is now the youngest ever Women’s World Open Champion, the 2026 World Champion, and the current World No. 2 after one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory.

Amina joins me to reflect on a season that saw her game reach an entirely new level. After a slower start to the year, she found another gear following the Tournament of Champions, consistently reaching the latter stages of events before capturing the two biggest titles in the sport. Along the way, she defeated both Hania El Hammamy and the legendary Nour El Sherbini to claim both the World Championship and the British Open.

We dive into:

What it feels like to become World Champion and whether it has truly sunk in.

Defeating the greatest player of all time on the sport’s biggest stage.

The emotions of that unforgettable World Championship final.

Her growth physically, mentally, and tactically over the past season.

The rise of Siva Subramanium

Having her father in her corner

Officiating, decision-making, and the evolving landscape of professional squash.

World Champion. World No. 2. Four-time World Junior Champion. Still only 19 years old, Amina Orfi on Ep. 407.

Six years after his first appearance on the podcast, Greg Lobban returns to discuss one of the biggest decisions of his professional career. Following his recent announcement that he intends to pursue Australian citizenship, Greg opens up about the reasoning behind the move, how it creates a more realistic pathway toward qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, and where the process currently stands. We also reflect on his recent seasons on tour, discuss the next generation of players making waves in the game, and dive into the wider conversation around officiating and the future direction of professional squash. A candid and fascinating conversation with one of the sport’s top competitors.

Episode 405 is a special one as longtime friend and one of the most respected figures in Canadian squash, Eric Baldwin, finally joins the podcast.

Eric and I go way back to our junior days competing in Atlantic Canada, so this episode feels less like an interview and more like two old squash boys catching up after years apart. We dive into the golden era of junior squash in the Atlantic provinces, the incredible talent pipeline that came out of PEI and the Atlantic region, the influence of his father Doug Baldwin on the game, memories of the rivalries and personalities from back in the day, and of course some great stories surrounding Eric’s nearly three decades leading the iconic Toronto Badminton and Racquet Club.

We also talk Jonathan Power, Canadian squash history, doubles success, Dean Brown and Bow Valley, and what Eric is most proud of after a lifetime dedicated to growing the game.

A great conversation, a lot of laughs, and a proper trip down Squash Canada memory lane.

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