Squashed, but not Silenced | Rachit Shah | TEDxPPSIJC Youth

In this inspiring talk, Master Rachit Shah, a young squash player reflects on the power of failure, resilience, and staying true to one’s passion in a world obsessed with recognition and results. Through stories of crushing defeats, career-threatening injuries, and moments of quiet triumph, he reveals how sport became more than competition. With humour, vulnerability, and remarkable maturity, he challenges the audience to rethink what success truly means, reminding them that setbacks do not define a person unless they choose to stay down. His journey is a powerful testament to the idea that life may squash us repeatedly, but growth comes from learning how to bounce back stronger every single time. Master Rachit Shah discovered his passion for squash at the age of 7 and began competing at just 8, demonstrating an early commitment to the sport while successfully balancing academics alongside rigorous training. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the top junior players in the country, consistently finishing within the top 4 in India and currently ranked among the top 3 in the Boys Under-19 category as of March 2026. His steady rise through the national circuit reflects not only his talent but also his discipline, perseverance, and competitive mindset.He has had the honour of representing India at the 30th Asian Junior Individual Championships held in Dalian, China in 2024, competing in the Under-15 category and securing a top 16 finish. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx