TORONTO – For the first time in his budding squash career, Canadian Salah Eltorgman can approach the Olympic quadrennial with the goal of participating in the Summer Games.

The Western University student aims to represent Canada in Los Angeles in 2028, when squash makes its Olympic debut.

“It definitely pushes you to train harder,” Eltorgman said of the inclusion, which was confirmed last year. “And don’t rush training…it’s four years away, (so) have a good plan and hope for the best.”

Eltorgman, who turns 22 on Wednesday, competes in Pro Squash Association tournaments when he can while continuing his studies in political science and international relations in London, Ont.

Currently ranked 87th in the world, he plans to graduate in the spring of 2026 before focusing on the tour full-time before the Olympics.

“He can easily reach the top 20,” said former national champion Shahier Razik, who trained with Eltorgman throughout his junior years. “From there, you never know. It just depends on mental capacity from there.”

Eltorgman, who has risen more than 100 positions in the rankings over the last year after winning three lower-tier PSA titles, scored a flawless victory over Argentina’s Leandro Romiglio on Monday.

This victory gave him a place in the quarter-finals of the Cambridge Group of Clubs Classic. The copper-level tournament is a complementary men’s event to the silver-level Canadian Women’s Open.

Eltorgman took advantage of the unexpected afternoon break for some training drills at the Toronto Athletic Club, one of three satellite venues hosting the first-round matches. Featured matches are played on the all-glass exhibition floor of the nearby Allen Lambert Gallery at Brookfield Place.

In the evening, Hollie Naughton of Mississauga, Ont., defeated Nicole Bunyan of Victoria 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7. Naughton, Canadian number one and world number 26, will play the quarterfinals on Tuesday evening.

Now six-foot-four and 180 pounds, Eltorgman’s size can hold his own on the field. He uses his wingspan to prevent balls from reaching the backcourt and has the touch game to completely stretch his opponents.

Razik first took the field with Eltorgman more than a decade ago, when he was a junior.

“He always had such unique hands,” he said. “It’s very rare. Since he was a child, he could put the ball away from anywhere.”

Eltorgman’s ability to “shoot” – to send the ball into the nick for winners – helped him during his formative years. The Toronto resident progressed through juniors before joining the Mustangs varsity team and competing in more men’s events.

“He developed a more balanced game,” Razik said. “The hands are still there, but he’s also developed his length, fitness and stamina. He can hang on now and play solid rallies while keeping the ball when he needs to.

“He just needs more experience. He needs to play more matches.”

At school, Eltorgman competes in PSA tournaments when he can. He had to miss a few classes this week and will take a break again in a month to compete in a bronze level event in Doha, Qatar.

“I still have to work a little on my physical condition,” he said. “Be more focused throughout the match… just a little practice, put in the effort and perform when you need to.”

Competition is also strong at the university level. Western is the only Canadian school to participate in the College Squash Association.

The Mustangs rank 11th in the CSA, which includes several powerhouse Ivy League schools.

Eltorgman’s immediate focus, however, is Tuesday’s match against 71st-ranked Israeli Daniel Poleshchuk at the Toronto Athletic Club.

A victory would give him valuable performances on the brightest stage as the men’s semi-finals will be moved to the showcase hall.

Eltorgman has enjoyed success on the all-glass display floor, used at various national events. He won the U19 national championships and reached the semifinals of the 2022 men’s national qualifiers on the field.

“I have a very good feeling on this pitch,” Eltorgman said with a smile. “I love it.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 28, 2024.

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