Squash on display at Devonshire Mall
With a thriving Windsor Squash and Fitness Club, the city has played host to many tournaments but none like the one currently taking place at Devonshire Mall.
“We've never had this high calibre come to Windsor, especially with the glass court like this. It's amazing,” said Hannah Guthrie, a competitor and part organizer of the JK Windsor Cup.
The tournament is four tournaments rolled into one. There is a men’s, women’s, junior and professional event going on all week until Sunday, all in a glass court set up in the old food court.
“The whole reason this court was purchased is for an event like this,” said Sam Cornett, events and national team coordinator for Squash Canada. “Everything is set up really well to reach a lot more people.”
The glass court has been across the country and is giving local players a chance to play a tournament at home.
“Feels great to play here in Windsor in front of a home crowd in front of all my friends and family. Never had the chance before,” said Jagroop Bhangoo, who played the first match of the tournament.
Jahangir Khan, a former World #1 ranked professional squash player, officially launched the tournament during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
He once competed outdoors next to Egyptian pyramids and likes how the glass court can help the profile of the game.
“The good thing about the glass court is you can put it anywhere in the world,” Bhangoo said.
Anis Khan, saw the glass court set up in various places in North America and wanted to bring the experience to the City Of Windsor.
“What is a better place than holding it at Devonshire Mall where the entire Windsor community is coming here and they will have free access,” Khan said.
According to mall general manager Chris Savard, Devonshire sees about 20,000 people walk through the building each day.
“We thought it would be a nice pairing that we can provide this level of squash in our building,” he said.
Guthrie added, “People walking around are gonna see us play and it just means a lot because you never get that sort of recognition for all the hard work you put in.”
About 100 players from Windsor, Canada and across the world will be playing at the JK Windsor Cup throughout the week until Sunday.
Those interested in the game can pick up a racquet and take a few swings with an instructor at an inflatable court set up near the glass court.
The tournament, along with the recent announcement involving St. Clair College hosting a national soccer tournament is a sign that sports tourism is returning to the region.
“That's why it's part of our tourism strategy,” said Ward 9 city councilor Kieren McKenzie. “We know we have a community of people that really love athletics and I think the Windsor Cup is another perfect example of that reality.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.