SA 40: 🎾 Squash and Ring Tennis: Two South African Comebacks in Motion

🎾 Squash and Ring Tennis: Two South African Comebacks in Motion

In the ever-evolving landscape of South African sport, two niche disciplines—squash and ring tennis—are scripting compelling comeback stories. Though vastly different in pace and popularity, both sports are finding new life through passionate communities, innovative venues, and a shared commitment to grassroots development.

🏙️ Squash: Glass Walls and Waterfront Glory

Once a staple of South African racquet sports, squash had seen a dip in participation over the past two decades. But the tide is turning. The Growthpoint SA Nationals, now hosted at the V&A Waterfront’s Makers Landing in Cape Town, has become a beacon of the sport’s revival. The use of an all-glass court has not only modernized the game’s image but also brought it into the public eye—literally—by placing it in one of the country’s most visited urban spaces.

Squash South Africa has also been proactive in reaccrediting clubs and facilities post-COVID, ensuring safe and structured returns to play across the country. With renewed sponsorships, media visibility, and youth outreach, squash is reclaiming its place in the national sporting psyche.

👉 Want to play squash or start a club?

Visit www.squashsa.co.za to find a registered club near you or contact them directly at admin@squashsa.co.za. They offer support for new clubs, coaching certification, and junior development programs.

🌀 Ring Tennis: Quiet Resilience and Global Dreams

Meanwhile, ring tennis—also known as Tenniquoits—continues to fly under the radar, yet it thrives in pockets of dedication. The Sentraal Gauteng Central team, based in Alberton, recently wrapped up a successful 2024 season with multiple provincial medals, despite setbacks like vandalism at their home ground.

The sport’s governing body, SA Ringtennis, is actively organizing tours and development programs. A highlight is the 2025 tour to Germany, where the South African senior team (the Proteas) will compete internationally. Clubs like Munies in Durban are keeping the flame alive, promoting the sport’s accessibility, low-impact nature, and family-friendly appeal.

👉 Interested in ring tennis or starting a local team?

Reach out to SA Ringtennis via their Facebook page @RingtennisSA (facebook.com in Bing) or email ringtennissa@gmail.com. They’ll connect you with your nearest club or help you launch a new one with equipment and coaching support.

🔁 Two Paths, One Principle: Passion-Driven Revival

What unites squash and ring tennis is not just their use of a court and net, but their resilience through community. Squash is leveraging urban innovation and elite competition to rebuild its base, while ring tennis leans on grassroots camaraderie and international ties to stay relevant.

Both sports remind us that revival isn’t always about mass appeal—it’s about purpose, place, and people. Whether it’s the gleam of a glass court in Cape Town or the laughter of families tossing rings in Durban, these games are more than pastimes—they’re cultural comebacks in motion.

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