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.