Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian squash team for creating history by winning their first-ever Squash World Cup title at the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 in Chennai.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister lauded the exceptional performances of the Indian players, calling the achievement a moment of immense national pride.
“Congratulations to the Indian Squash Team for creating history and winning their first-ever World Cup title at SDAT Squash World Cup 2025! Joshna Chinnappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthil Kumar and Anahat Singh have displayed tremendous dedication and determination. Their success has made the entire nation proud. This win will also boost the popularity of squash among our youth,” PM Modi said.
Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the Indian Squash Team on winning the World Cup.
“Congratulations to Team India on winning the first-ever Squash World Cup, scripting a glorious history for the nation. The display of your indomitable sporting prowess with which you defeated even the most formidable opponents will become the inspiration for our new talents,” said Shah.
Hosts India clinched the title with a dominant 3–0 victory over top seeds Hong Kong, China, in the final at Express Avenue Mall on Sunday. The triumph marked a significant milestone, as India became only the fifth nation to win a major World Squash team championship.
Veteran Joshna Chinnappa set the tone in the opening women’s singles match, defeating Ka Yi Lee 3–1 despite her opponent’s higher world ranking. Abhay Singh then doubled India’s lead with a commanding straight-games win over Alex Lau in the men’s singles. Seventeen-year-old Anahat Singh sealed the historic victory with a composed 3–0 win against Tomato Ho, ensuring a clean sweep and making Velavan Senthil Kumar’s appearance unnecessary in the final.
India’s triumph capped a flawless campaign in which the team did not drop a single match. They registered comprehensive wins over Switzerland and Brazil in the group stage, beat South Africa in the quarterfinals, and stunned defending champions Egypt 3–0 in the semifinals before overpowering Hong Kong, China in the final.
Reflecting on the achievement, Joshna Chinnappa said playing in Chennai with home support made the moment special and reaffirmed her motivation to continue representing India. Abhay Singh described the evening as unforgettable, adding that the vocal home crowd and playing in his home city made the victory even more meaningful.
The win marks a major leap for Indian squash, whose previous best at the World Cup was a bronze medal in 2023. It also comes at a significant time, with squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, further underlining the importance of India’s breakthrough on the world stage.
(With agency inputs)
