India clinched a commanding 3-0 victory over top-seeded Hong Kong, China, to secure their maiden Squash World Cup title on home soil at the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 India. The triumph came on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Express Avenue Mall, marking a breakthrough for the hosts in the mixed-team event.
This victory elevates squash’s profile across South Asia, where the sport gains traction amid Olympic aspirations for 2028. For India, it signals rising investment in non-cricket disciplines, inspiring youth in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond to pursue racket sports. The win underscores regional potential, with India now joining elite nations in team events, fostering cross-border rivalries and talent exchanges.
Dominant Display Seals India Maiden Squash Title
The Indian squad, blending experience and youth, overwhelmed Hong Kong in straight sets during the India vs Hong Kong Squash final. Joshna Chinappa opened with a gritty 3-1 win over Ka Yi Lee (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1) in 23 minutes. The 39-year-old Chennai native, ranked world No. 79, fought back after dropping the second game, showcasing resilience honed over two decades.
Abhay Singh followed with a clinical 3-0 rout of Alex Lau (7-1, 7-4, 7-4) in just 19 minutes. The local hero, leveraging his aggressive style, dictated play from the outset, extending his unbeaten head-to-head record against the Hong Kong player. Anahat Singh then sealed the deal, defeating Tomato Ho 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) in 16 minutes. The 17-year-old Delhi prodigy, a Commonwealth Games veteran at age 14, displayed unflappable poise to clinch the India wins Squash World Cup moment.
The final, the first all-Asian showdown in the tournament’s history, highlighted India’s depth. Velavan Senthilkumar did not need to play, as the scoreline stood unassailable. This clean sweep avenged India’s semi-final exit to Egypt two years prior on the same court, where they settled for bronze.
World Squash Federation officials hailed the performance. In an official statement, the governing body noted India’s entry into the record books as the sixth nation to claim a major team title. “India have been crowned World Cup champions for the first time after beating Hong Kong, China 3-0 in the final,” read a post from @WorldSquash on X. The organisation praised the home crowd’s energy, which amplified the hosts’ intensity.
Joshna Chinappa reflected on the milestone post-match. “It feels great playing here in Chennai. I am still so thankful that I can still be a part of the India national team,” she said. “Playing here with the home support and crowd made all the difference. Thank you so much for everyone who came out and cheered.” Her words captured the emotional weight of the India maiden Squash title, especially after uncertainty over her participation months earlier.
Abhay Singh echoed the sentiment. “An unbelievable evening. I am so privileged to be able to do this with some really legendary teammates,” he stated. “For me to be a Chennai boy and do this in front of my city makes me speechless. This will pump up a lot of kids watching from the India Squash Academy.” His quick dispatch of Lau exemplified the tactical precision that propelled India through the week.
Path to Glory in Squash World Cup 2025 India
India’s journey began in Pool A, where they topped the group with wins over Czechia (3-0) and Spain (3-0). A quarter-final bye followed, leading to the semi-final against Egypt. There, Chinappa sat out due to rotation, but Senthilkumar, Singh, and Anahat Singh delivered another 3-0 blanking, setting up the decider.
The tournament featured 12 nations divided into four pools, with the top two advancing. Hong Kong, as No. 1 seeds, navigated a tougher route, drawing 2-2 with Japan in the semis but advancing on a 8-7 games count-back. Egypt and Japan shared bronze after a 2-2 semi tie resolved similarly.
This edition, sponsored by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), drew record attendance in Chennai. The venue’s glass courts allowed fans to witness every rally up close, boosting engagement. Squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics adds urgency, with India eyeing medals through events like this.
In South Asia, the result resonates deeply. Pakistan, a squash powerhouse with eight individual world titles, views India’s team success as a call to revive mixed formats. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, emerging in the racket code, could draw infrastructure lessons from India’s model. The victory aligns with regional pushes for diverse sports funding, countering cricket’s dominance.
Data from the World Squash Federation underscores the growth. Participation in junior events across Asia rose 25% since 2023, per official records. India’s win, as hosts, could accelerate this, with the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) committing to expanded academies.
Background: Building Momentum for India Wins Squash World Cup
Squash traces roots to 19th-century England but found fervent adoption in South Asia via British colonial ties. Pakistan led historically, but India’s infrastructure surge bolstered by private academies and government schemes shifted dynamics. The SRFI, established in 1950, has nurtured talents like Chinappa, a 17-time national champion.
Prior to 2025, India’s best was bronze in 2023 here. Global team events, biennial since 2021, test squad synergy, unlike individual PSA Tour battles. Hong Kong’s seeding reflected their 2023 runner-up finish, making the upset poignant.
Chinappa’s arc embodies perseverance. Returning from injury, she peaked at world No. 10 in 2024. Anahat Singh represents the future, her junior titles paving a pro path. Singh and Senthilkumar, both PSA-ranked in the top 100, provide midfield stability.
The event’s timing, mid-December, aligned with festive calendars, drawing 5,000 spectators daily. Tamil Nadu’s SDAT invested INR 50 million (about USD 600,000) in staging, yielding returns through tourism and youth sign-ups.
What’s Next: Olympic Horizons and Regional Rivalries
India’s triumph positions them as favourites for the 2027 World Team Championships. With Olympics looming, the team targets qualification via continental qualifiers in 2026. SRFI plans a national camp in January 2026, integrating lessons from Chennai.
Regionally, a South Asian Squash League could emerge, pitting India against Pakistan in exhibition series. For players like Anahat Singh, individual PSA events in 2026 offer ranking boosts.
As celebrations subside, focus shifts to sustaining momentum. India wins Squash World Cup not just as a trophy, but as a catalyst for broader athletic excellence in South Asia.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 15th, 2025
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