The Indian squash team that won the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 in Chennai on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
The Express Avenue Mall was packed, and the Indian team delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. Backed by vociferous support, the host produced a clinical and commanding display to overwhelm top-seed Hong Kong 3-0 and lift the squash World Cup on Sunday. This is the first time that the two countries competed in the final.
The emphatic triumph marked India’s finest showing in the competition, eclipsing its previous best — a bronze medal in 2023. Hong Kong, too, returned with its best-ever finish at the event, having placed eighth two years ago.
Joshna Chinappa, world ranked 79, negotiated a few early hiccups to give India a winning start, overcoming Ka Yi Lee — ranked 42 places above — 7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1 in 23 minutes.
After cruising through the opening game, where her superior court-craft spoke, Joshna was forced to dig deep as Lee lifted her intensity in the next two games, striking a series of exquisite winners from the backcourt.
The veteran, however, showed why experience counts. Unfazed by the brief reversal, the 39-year-old held her nerve to clinch the tight third game 7-5 before shutting the door decisively in the fourth, denying Lee any chance of a comeback.
Abhay Singh, always a big-match performer and visibly charged up in national colours, then took centre-stage. The 27-year-old delivered a ruthless display to sweep aside reigning Asian champion Alex Lau in straight games.
Anahat Singh completed the formalities in emphatic fashion, as she brushed aside the Asian champion Tomato Ho in just 16 minutes to seal the tie.
India coach Harinder Singh said winning the World Cup was special. “It’s a big win for us. It was a high pressure match [against Hong Kong and Egypt (in the semifinals) and we delivered,” he said.
The Indian squash team that won the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 in Chennai on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
R. RAGU
Joshna revealed this will be ranked among her top five performances, and India’s best achievement at home.
The result (final): India bt Hong Kong 3-0 (Joshna Chinappa bt Ka Yi Lee 7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1; Abhay Singh bt Alex Lau 7-1, 7-4, 7-4; Anahat Singh bt Tomato Ho 7-2, 7-2, 7-5).
Published – December 14, 2025 07:53 pm IST
