In a landmark moment for Indian sport, India clinched its first-ever Squash World Cup title, defeating top-seeded Hong Kong 3-0 in a commanding final at the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 held in Chennai, India. This historic victory marks a major breakthrough for Indian squash and a milestone moment that has captured national pride.
The thrilling final saw standout performances from veteran players and rising stars alike, with India showcasing a spectacular all-round performance in front of an electrified home crowd at the Express Avenue Mall.
Dominant Performance on Home Soil
India’s mixed team began the final by putting pressure on their opponents early. Joshna Chinappa, a seasoned campaigner, set the tone with a gritty victory over her higher-ranked opponent, giving India a vital first point. Her composed play and strategic shot-making energized the team and crowd alike.
Following this, Abhay Singh, one of India’s top men’s singles players, delivered a polished and aggressive performance to extend India’s advantage. The victory reflected his growing influence on the world squash stage.
The title was sealed when 17 year old Anahat Singh, playing her first World Cup final, secured a commanding win to clinch the trophy for India. Young Anahat’s composed and impressive play highlighted the depth and future promise of Indian squash.
A Milestone Moment in Indian Sport
India’s triumph is historic on several fronts:
- First-ever Squash World Cup title for India.
- India became one of the few nations to win the prestigious global title, joining the ranks of Australia, England and Egypt.
- The win represents a significant improvement from India’s previous best finish, a bronze medal in 2023.
India’s commanding performance throughout the tournament including comprehensive victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals showcased strategic team depth and relentless determination.
National Pride and Recognition
The historic success drew immediate praise from leaders and fans across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on social media, saying that their achievement had made the entire nation proud. Officials including the President and Vice President of India also extended their congratulations, reflecting how deeply the victory resonated nationwide.
Squash’s growing popularity in India means this achievement could have far-reaching effects inspiring future athletes and strengthening support for the sport ahead of its continued growth on the world stage.
Looking Forward
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, this World Cup title could be a defining moment in India’s journey toward global sporting success. The blend of experience and youth on this winning team from seasoned players like Joshna Chinappa to rising stars like Anahat Singh suggests a bright future for Indian squash.
As fans and athletes celebrate this historic achievement, India’s squash community now looks ahead with anticipation and optimism for even greater accomplishments.
References
- India Create History With Maiden Squash World Cup Title — Outlook India report on India’s victory over Hong Kong 3-0 in the final and tournament details. (Outlook India)
- India clinch first Squash World Cup title in front of jubilant home crowd — New Indian Express account of key matches and player performances. (The New Indian Express)
- India win maiden Squash World Cup title — The Indian Express overview of the event’s significance and historic status. (The Indian Express)
- News coverage on national leaders congratulating the team — Prime Minister, Vice President, and President statements. (The Times of India)
