Ramit Tandon (2026) - Hall of Fame - Columbia University Athletics

Ramit Tandon

Induction:
2026
Class:
2015

Ramit Tandon is the first member of the squash program inducted into the Columbia Hall of Fame. However, being first is natural for the native of Kolkata, India, who went on to become one of the most decorated student-athletes in Columbia squash history, becoming the program’s first-ever Ivy League Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

During his four seasons with the Lions, Tandon established an extraordinary standard of excellence. He was a four-time First Team All-Ivy League selection and four-time First Team All-American. His career was bookended by being named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2015.

He was also named Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2012 and became one of the program’s most respected leaders, serving as team captain during his junior and senior seasons.

Tandon’s combination of athletic achievement, leadership and character earned him two of Columbia’s highest individual honors. He received the Skillman Award, the highest individual honor in college squash, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to the sport. He also received the Connie S. Maniatty Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete Award, one of Columbia Athletics’ most prestigious honors.

His impact on the program was almost instantaneous. In his first season, then head coach Jacques Swanepoel described him as "definitely the most exciting player in college squash."

Tandon finished his inaugural season with a 15-1 record as Columbia's top player, while becoming the program's first player to earn Ivy League honors and CSA All-America First Team honors. Tandon went unbeaten in match play during the regular season, becoming the Ivy League's co-Rookie of the Year. He capped the year ranked second in the nation after a runner-up finish at the 2012 CSA Individual National Championships.

Tandon helped lead a Columbia team that began the 2011-12 year with a No. 20 ranking to its first Ivy League victory over No. 13 Brown, a runner-up finish in the Hoehn Cup finals at the 2012 CSA National Championships, and a No. 10 final national ranking.

In his sophomore season, Tandon used another All-Ivy League team performance to lead the Lions to their first multiple-win conference year. A quarterfinals appearance in the CSA Individual National Championships led to a second straight CSA All-American Honor. He started his junior season with nine consecutive victories. He finished 14-1, leading Columbia to a runner-up finish in the Hoehn Cup (B Division) of the CSA Team National Championships.

Tandon was unanimously selected to the All-Ivy League team for the third straight year. In his senior campaign, he captained Columbia to incredible heights. With a 13-1 record at the top position, Tandon spearheaded a national championship contender in the Lions, who defeated two top-five teams to earn a program-best No. 3 national ranking and cap the 2015 campaign with a No. 4 finish in the Potter Cup (A Division) of the CSA Team National Championships.

Tandon’s accomplishments did not end with his Columbia career. He went on to represent India at the highest levels of international squash, rising to No. 1 in the country, No. 2 in Asia and a career-best No. 28 in the world. He captured four Professional Squash Association World Tour titles and became the only Indian player to reach the round of 16 at a PSA Diamond-level event.

His international career has included success on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Tandon has earned two Asian Championship medals, including an Asian Team Championship gold medal with India, and has also won an Asian Games medal. His accomplishments have helped establish him as a leading figure in Indian squash history.

His accomplishments at Columbia and continued contributions to squash in India and around the world have secured his place among the greatest athletes in Columbia squash history.