CHENNAI
Team India etched its name into squash history, clinching its first-ever Squash World Cup title with a commanding victory over top-seeded Hong Kong in the final held in Chennai. The landmark triumph capped a flawless campaign and underlined India’s rapid rise on the global squash stage.
The title marked a significant leap from India’s previous best finish — a bronze medal at the 2023 edition — and showcased the team’s growing depth and consistency. India were dominant throughout the tournament, not dropping a single match on their way to lifting the trophy. They opened the group stage with emphatic 4-0 wins over Switzerland and Brazil, before sweeping aside South Africa 3-0 in the quarterfinals. A stunning 3-0 victory over defending champions and two-time winners Egypt in the semifinals set up the title clash.
In the final, veteran Joshna Chinappa gave India a dream start, defeating world No. 37 Lee Ka Yi 3-1 in the opening women’s singles rubber. Asian Games medallist Abhay Singh then doubled the lead with a clinical 3-0 win over Alex Lau in just 19 minutes.
The decisive moment came from 17-year-old prodigy Anahat Singh, who produced a composed performance to beat world No. 31 Tomato Ho 3-0. Her victory sealed a historic clean sweep, making it unnecessary for national men’s champion Velavan Senthilkumar to take the court.
“An unbelievable evening,” Abhay Singh said. “To do this with such legendary teammates makes it very special.”
India became only the fourth nation, after Australia, England and Egypt, to win the Squash World Cup in its five editions. The triumph carries added significance with squash set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Olympics, heralding a promising future for the sport in India.
PM Modi Congratulates Indian Squash Team on World Cup Triumph
NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian squash team for scripting history by winning their maiden title at the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 in Chennai. In a post on X, the Prime Minister praised Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthil Kumar and Anahat Singh for their “tremendous dedication and determination,” saying their achievement had made the nation proud. Modi noted that the historic triumph against top-seeded Hong Kong would significantly boost squash’s popularity among Indian youth. India clinched the title with a dominant 3-0 victory in the final.
