Ranveer Singh's squash connection!

He's taking the off beaten path lending to his association to a sport other than cricket, football or kabbadi. Ranveer Singh will be a part of the upcoming women's final match and felicitation program hosted by the Indian Squash Circuit (ISC), on his request his childhood friend Pia Bhattacharya. Pia -- wife of Ritwik Bhattacharya, a five-time national champion, and also mentors budding squash players -- texted Ranveer two days ago asking him to be a part of the ISC's event. 

Pia told a tabloid, “We went to school together. I've known him for 14 years. I figured I'd have to go through a certain number to people to get to him but Bollywood hasn't managed to change Ranveer." She added that other women squash players Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa excited about the development as well, adding, “Our squash players really need the publicity and Bollywood has a great influence on Indians. When a superstar endorses a sport, it changes the entire game. Ranveer is always helping friends, family, and is the kind of man who'd walk out of his car to help someone on the street."

The ISC tournament boasts of the highest prize money ever of $35,000 for the W35 women's category. Besides attending the event, Ranveer will also play a friendly match with the young women. The 31-year-old actor told the tabloid, “In a year when Indian female athletes have done the country proud at both the Olympics as well as the Para Olympics, I believe women squash players have it in them to be at the top.With some of the world's best players leading the way, I'm sure there is a significant and untapped opportunity to generate interest and engagement of potential women players with this sport through such tournaments."