India’s Historic Triumph at the Squash World Cup 2025:
The Moment of Glory
On 14 December 2025, Indian squash reached a defining milestone as India won its maiden Squash World Cup in Chennai. The victory at the Express Avenue Mall marked not just a sporting achievement but a historic moment for Indian squash, as It also placed India among an elite group as it became only the fourth country after Australia, England and Egypt to win the Squash World Cup and the first Asian nation to lift the prestigious trophy.1
The Championship Final: A Commanding Performance
The Venue and Atmosphere
The victory also made India only the fourth nation after Australia, England and Egypt to win the Squash World Cup title in its five editions. This was also the third straight time that the meet was held in Chennai. The Express Avenue Mall, which had witnessed India’s bronze medal finish in 2023, became the stage for their crowning glory.
Match Details and Scoreline
The final saw India deliver a commanding 3-0 victory over top seeds Hong Kong, China, with such dominance that the fourth player Velvan Senthilkumar was not required to take the court.
Joshna Chinappa’s Veteran Brilliance
In the opening match, 39-year-old Chennai native Joshna Chinappa went up against 32-year-old Ka Yi Lee. Despite World No.37 Lee’s superior World Ranking over World No.79 Chinappa, the Indian was arguably the favourite, enjoying a red hot run of form reminiscent of her highest ranking of World No.10. Sure enough, Chinappa was on top for most of the match, with Lee briefly troubling the home favourite before falling away as the Indian second string recorded a 7-3, 2-7,7-5, 7-1 victory.
Abhay Singh’s Dominant Display
Singh, a Chennai local like Chinappa, went into the match with a 2-0 head-to-head record against Lau, with their last clash a four-game win in the World Squash Team Championships one year ago. Singh was imperious, dominating Lau with aggressive attacking and perfect line hitting as he doubled India’s lead 7-1, 7-4, 7-4 in just 19 minutes.
Anahat Singh Seals Historic Victory
This win left the top seeds staring down the barrel, with Women’s First String Tomato Ho needing to score a big victory over 17-year-old Anahat Singh. To the crowd’s delight, Singh rose to the occasion. The Delhi native, who made global headlines when she competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games aged just 14, showed nerves of steel, completely playing Ho off the court 7-2, 7-2, 7-5.
India’s Path to Glory
Tournament Format
The 2025 edition, organised by World Squash, is the fifth staging of the tournament and the third straight time it is being held in Chennai. Twelve nations initially competed and were divided into four groups of three, with the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.
India’s Dominant Run
After sweeping Switzerland and Brazil in the group stage, India defeated South Africa and two-time champions Egypt by identical 3–0 margins in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Specifically:
India are yet to drop a single tie at the ongoing Squash World Cup 2025 campaign.
The Players Behind the Triumph
Joshna Chinappa – The Veteran Leader
With more than two decades at the top level, Joshna remains the most accomplished female squash player India has produced, including a career-high world top-10 ranking. At 39 years old, playing in her home city of Chennai, Chinappa’s experience proved invaluable. She expressed her emotions: “It feels great playing here in Chennai,” said Chinappa. “I am still so thankful that I can be part of the India national team. Playing here with the home support made all the difference.”
Abhay Singh – The Precision Striker
The 29th-ranked men’s player delivered when it mattered most. Abhay said: “An unbelievable evening. To do this in front of my city makes me speechless. I hope this inspires a lot of kids watching- discipline and hard work can take you very far.”
Anahat Singh – The Teenage Prodigy
At just 17 years old, Anahat was the youngest player in the tournament and was appearing in her first World Cup. India’s top-ranked women’s player had earlier paired up with Abhay during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where they clinched a bronze medal. Her composure in the final was remarkable, sealing the victory in just 16 minutes.
Velavan Senthilkumar – The Support Pillar
For Velavan, the Chennai World Cup carried personal significance. Born and raised in the city where he first picked up a squash racquet, competing at home was a full-circle moment. … “I was born here, brought up here and started squash here,” he said ahead of the tournament. “Playing in Chennai in front of a home crowd is special.” That India did not need to call on him in the final was not an omission, rather a measure of squad strength, and of a team confident enough to win before its reserves were required.
National Recognition and Prime Minister’s Praise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah today congratulated the Indian Squash Team for creating history by winning their first‑ever World Cup title at the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025. In a social media post, Mr Modi lauded the exceptional performance of Joshna Chinnappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthil Kumar and Anahat Singh, noting that their dedication, discipline and determination have brought immense pride to the nation. He added that this achievement reflects the growing strength of Indian sports on the global stage. The Prime Minister noted that this victory will inspire countless young athletes across the country and further boost the popularity of squash among the country’s youth.
Historical Significance
Breaking New Ground
The triumph made India only the fifth nation- after Australia, England, Egypt and Pakistan- to win a major World Squash team title. This achievement is particularly significant as It was also the first Squash World Cup final contested by two Asian teams.
From Bronze to Gold
The journey from India’s bronze medal at the 2023 edition to gold in 2025 represents a remarkable progression. India went into today’s clash with ghosts to exorcise, having exited in the semi-finals at the last edition, which took place on the same court in 2023.
Looking Ahead: Olympic Dreams
Squash is all set to make its Olympic debut at LA 2028. This World Cup victory comes at a crucial time, providing momentum and confidence as India prepares for the sport’s Olympic debut. As squash prepares for its Olympic chapter, India’s Chennai victory stands as a firm statement. Years of incremental progress culminated not in spectacle, but in assurance as Indian squash did not chase the moment, rather it was ready for it.
Legacy and Impact
The victory represents more than just a trophy. India’s 2025 Squash World Cup triumph was built on balance with Joshna Chinappa’s experience, Abhay Singh’s control, and Anahat Singh’s fearlessness. Against a competitive field of 12 nations, India did more than win a title; it demonstrated structure, depth, and intent.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister noted that the team scripted a glorious history for the nation. He added that their indomitable sporting prowess will become the inspiration for new talents.
Conclusion
India’s maiden Squash World Cup victory on December 14, 2025, at Chennai’s Express Avenue Mall will be remembered as a watershed moment in Indian squash history. The commanding 3-0 victory over top seeds Hong Kong, China, showcased not just individual brilliance but also team depth and mental fortitude. With squash set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this triumph provides the perfect launchpad for India’s squash aspirations on the global stage.
The victory was built on the experience of Joshna Chinappa, the precision of Abhay Singh, and the fearlessness of teenage sensation Anahat Singh, with strong support from Velavan Senthilkumar. As Prime Minister Modi noted, this achievement will inspire countless young athletes across the country and marks the growing strength of Indian sports on the world stage.
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