India scripted history on Sunday by clinching its maiden Squash World Cup title, delivering a 3-0 victory over top seeds Hong Kong at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai. The hosts, who had previously settled for a bronze medal in the 2023 edition, produced a clinical performance in the final to become the first Asian nation to lift the trophy.
The victory marked a flawless campaign for the second-seeded Indian side, which did not lose a single tie throughout the tournament, having earlier dispatched powerhouses like Egypt and South Africa in the knockout stages.
Veteran campaigner Joshna Chinappa set the tone for the triumph in the opening match. Despite being ranked 79th in the world, the 39-year-old produced a tactical masterclass to upset world No. 37 Ka Yi Lee 3-1 (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1).
After splitting the first two games, Chinappa held her nerve in a tense third game, winning crucial rallies to take it 7-5 before dominating the fourth to give India the lead. "This will definitely be among my top five performances," Chinappa said later, acknowledging the electric atmosphere at the mall venue.
Abhay Singh then doubled India’s advantage with a ruthless display against reigning Asian champion Alex Lau. The 27-year-old, currently India’s highest-ranked male player at world No. 29, controlled the court from the outset, winning in straight games 7-1, 7-4, 7-4. His victory left Hong Kong with no room for error, placing the pressure squarely on the third match.
Seventeen-year-old prodigy Anahat Singh sealed the historic win in emphatic fashion. Facing world No. 31 Tomato Ho, the teenager showed composure beyond her years to wrap up the tie in just 16 minutes with a 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) victory. Her win ensured that India’s men’s national champion Velavan Senthilkumar did not even need to take the court for the final rubber against Henry Leung.
The triumph is seen as a momumental boost for Indian squash as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Coach Harinder Singh praised the team's resilience under pressure, noting their ability to deliver against top-tier opposition like Hong Kong and Egypt. With this win, India joins an elite club of nations, i.e. Australia, England, and Egypt, nations who have previously won the prestigious mixed-team title.
