India Crowned Champion of WSF Squash World Cup for the First Time

India created history in sports by winning the WSF Squash World Cup 2025 for the first time in the history of the tournament. In addition, the Indian team put on a great show to defeat top-seeded Hong Kong 3-0 in the final held at Express Avenue Mall, Chennai, in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. This is a major victory for Indian squash, incidentally, highlighting the country’s steady rise into prominence on the global squash stage.

What Is the WSF Squash World Cup?

• The WSF Squash World Cup is a prestigious international team tournament organised under the aegis of the World Squash Federation (WSF).
• It features top squash-playing nations competing in team ties consisting of men’s and women’s singles matches.
• The tournament is considered one of the most important global events in squash, testing not just individual excellence but also team depth and consistency.

Background: India’s Journey in the World Cup

• Before this edition, India had won only one medal at the WSF Squash World Cup — a bronze medal in 2023.
• The 2025 title therefore represents a significant leap, as India upgraded its previous best performance to gold.
• Hosting the event in Chennai, a city known as a strong centre for squash in India, also played a key role in boosting the team’s confidence and performance.

Key Highlights of India’s WSF Squash World Cup Victory

Historic First Title

• India won its first-ever WSF Squash World Cup, marking only its second medal in the tournament’s history.
• The triumph comes after a bronze medal finish in 2023, reflecting rapid progress.

Clean Sweep in the Final

• India defeated Hong Kong 3–0, the tournament’s top seed.
• All three Indian players won their matches convincingly without dropping the tie.

Individual Match Performances

• Joshna Chinappa defeated world No. 27 Ka Yi Lee in four games (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1).
• Abhay Singh secured a straight-game win over Tsz Kwan Lau (7-1, 7-4, 7-4).
• Anahat Singh dominated reigning Asian Champion Ho Tze Lok (7-2, 7-2, 7-5).

Home Advantage

• The tournament was hosted in Chennai, providing strong crowd support and boosting player morale.

Why is this Victory Significant for India?

• Boost to Olympic Aspirations: Squash will debut at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, and this victory strengthens India’s medal prospects.
• Rise of a New Generation: Teenage star Anahat Singh symbolizes India’s strong talent pipeline & Combination of experience (Joshna) and youth (Anahat) highlights balanced development.
• Elevation of Non-Mainstream Sports: Enhances visibility for squash, encouraging grassroots participation and private sponsorship.
• Sporting Diplomacy & Soft Power: Positions India as an emerging global force in racquet sports, alongside badminton and tennis.

India’s Growing Strength in Squash

• Over the past decade, India has steadily improved its performance in international squash, supported by better training facilities, professional coaching, and exposure to global tournaments.
• The 2025 World Cup victory reflects the success of this long-term development approach and highlights the importance of blending experienced players with emerging youth talent.

Key Takeaways

• India won the WSF Squash World Cup 2025 for the first time.
• The final was held in Chennai at Express Avenue Mall.
• India defeated top-seeded Hong Kong 3–0 in the final.
• Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh, and Anahat Singh won their respective matches.
• This was India’s second World Cup medal, upgrading bronze (2023) to gold.