{"id":44515,"date":"2025-12-16T07:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T01:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalindian.com\/youth\/?post_type=story&p=44515"},"modified":"2025-12-16T07:17:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T01:47:51","slug":"from-the-margins-to-the-podium-indias-maiden-squash-world-cup-triumph-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/old.globalindian.com\/youth\/story\/cover-story\/from-the-margins-to-the-podium-indias-maiden-squash-world-cup-triumph-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Margins to the Podium: India\u2019s maiden Squash World Cup triumph in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

(December 16, 2025) <\/strong>Indian squash crossed a long-awaited threshold on December 14, 2025. Playing on home soil in Chennai, India clinched its first-ever Squash World Cup title, delivering a commanding 3\u20130 victory over top seeds Hong Kong in the final through wins from Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh. Their performance\u00a0 was so decisive that the fourth player Velvan Senthilkumar was not required to take the court. The emphatic win crowned India champions of the mixed-team event and made the country the first Asian nation to lift the prestigious trophy. It also placed India among an elite group as it became only the fourth country after Australia, England and Egypt to win the Squash World Cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond the scoreboard, the triumph carried wider meaning. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, India\u2019s breakthrough has arrived at a moment when preparation meets possibility, injecting confidence and visibility into a sport that has long worked quietly in the background.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Narendra

A landmark tournament on home ground<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Squash World Cup 2025, held from December 9 to 14, transformed Chennai into a global squash hub. Matches were staged at the Express Avenue Mall and the Indian Squash Academy, with 12 nations competing in the fifth edition of the mixed-team championship. Defending champions Egypt, runners-up Malaysia, and several established squash nations arrived with pedigree, but it was the host nation that controlled the narrative.<\/span><\/p>\n

First introduced in 1996, the World Cup has traditionally belonged to a small circle of dominant teams. India\u2019s title run in Chennai signalled a clear shift\u2014less a disruption, more a rebalancing of the sport\u2019s competitive order.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long road of India\u2019s squash journey<\/b><\/h2>\n

For decades, squash in India existed on the margins, overshadowed by cricket and later badminton. Yet progress never stopped. From early pioneers to modern torchbearers such as Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal, Indian squash steadily pushed forward despite limited visibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup hinted at what was possible. By 2025, the pieces were in place with stronger grassroots pipelines, world-class academies, and regular exposure to elite international competition. The Chennai triumph was the outcome of sustained, patient work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joshna Chinappa: Setting the tone<\/b><\/h3>\n

The final began with experience, and with intent. Joshna Chinappa, ranked 79th, opened India\u2019s campaign against world No. 37 Lee Ka Yi, securing a composed 3\u20131 win. The victory gave India early momentum and settled any nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Joshna