Chennai: India etched a new chapter in their squash history on Sunday as the mixed team clinched the Squash World Cup 2025 title with a commanding victory over top seeds Hong Kong China at Chennai’s Express Avenue Mall.
The triumph marked India’s first-ever World Cup crown in squash, bettering the bronze-medal finish achieved at the 2023 edition. Seeded second in the tournament, the Indian side delivered a flawless campaign, remaining unbeaten across all ties.
India announced its intent early in the competition, registering dominant 4-0 wins against Switzerland and Brazil in the group stage. The momentum continued in the knockout rounds, where South Africa were swept aside in the quarter-finals before India outclassed two-time champions Egypt 3-0 in the semi-finals to book a place in the final.
India’s march to the Squash World Cup title culminated in three decisive wins in the final. The opening point was secured by Joshna Chinappa, who overcame Lee Ka Yi in the women’s singles despite the ranking gap. Chinappa closed the contest 3-1, taking the games 7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1 to put India ahead.
The lead was doubled by Abhay Singh, India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, who produced a commanding display against Alex Lau. Singh wrapped up a 3-0 victory in just 19 minutes, winning the games 7-1, 7-4, 7-4 to leave India on the brink of the title.
The championship was sealed in the third rubber by 17-year-old Anahat Singh. Facing Tomato Ho, the Indian maintained control throughout and completed a straight-games win, 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5), ensuring the final men’s singles match between Velavan Senthilkumar and Henry Leung was no longer required.
Congratulating the team, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X: “This win will also boost the popularity of squash among our youth.”
The victory placed India in an elite group, making it only the fourth nation – after Australia, England, and Egypt – to lift the Squash World Cup trophy since the tournament’s inception. The 2025 edition also marked the third consecutive time Chennai hosted the prestigious event.
India’s breakthrough comes at a significant moment for the sport, with squash set to feature at the Olympic Games for the first time at Los Angeles 2028, adding further weight to the country’s landmark achievement.
