India Sweep All Golds at Asian Squash Doubles Championships 2025: Anahat, Velevan, Abhay, Joshna Shine Bright
India scripted a historic clean sweep at the 2025 Asian Squash Doubles Championships in Johor, Malaysia, clinching all three gold medals on offer a feat that showcases the nation’s rising stature in the doubles format of squash.
From thrilling comebacks to dominant finishes, Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar, and Joshna Chinappa delivered gold-medal performances that will be remembered for years to come.
Mixed Doubles: Anahat & Abhay Dazzle with a Perfect Final
Teen prodigy Anahat Singh and India’s top-ranked male player Abhay Singh combined seamlessly to capture the Mixed Doubles gold, defeating local favourites Rachel Arnold and Ameeshenraj of Malaysia in straight games, 11-9, 11-7.
The top-seeded Indian duo had their backs against the wall in the opening game, trailing 5-9, but produced a stunning comeback reeling off six straight points to snatch the first game 11-9. Their chemistry and court awareness only got sharper in the second game as they maintained control throughout, eventually closing it out 11-7.
The win was not just a medal it was a statement. Abhay and Anahat showcased impeccable court coverage, shot selection, and calm under pressure, proving why they were top-seeded and favourites coming into the tournament.
Men’s Doubles: Abhay & Velavan Beat Pakistan to Defend Title
India’s moment of glory continued in the Men’s Doubles final, as Abhay Singh partnered with Velavan Senthilkumar to beat arch-rivals Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal of Pakistan in a tense three-game battle, winning 9-11, 11-5, 11-5.
The Indian pair, who were defending champions, dropped the first game narrowly, unable to break through Pakistan’s tight angles and attacking front-court play. But like seasoned champions, they regrouped quickly, with Velavan imposing himself at the back and Abhay controlling the front with deft touches and intercepts.
Their 11-5, 11-5 response in the next two games was comprehensive and clinical. The match also carried an emotional undertone, recalling the dramatic 2023 Asian Games final where Abhay Singh saved two gold medal points against Noor Zaman to clinch the team title. This time, he repeated his heroics with composure and aggression, helping India retain the men’s doubles title and underlining his dominance in the region.
Women’s Doubles: Joshna & Anahat Edge Malaysia in a Thriller
The last final of the day produced the most nail-biting action as Joshna Chinappa and Anahat Singh held their nerves to beat the Malaysian top seeds Ainaa Amani and Xin Ying Yee in a gripping match that finished 8-11, 11-9, 11-10.
The Indian pair started slowly, losing the first game 8-11. But with Joshna’s experience and Anahat’s energy, they clawed their way back into the contest in the second game, winning it 11-9 with smart rotations and better control of the mid-court exchanges.
The decider was as tense as it gets. With both teams refusing to give an inch, rallies got longer and margins tighter. Eventually, it was India who held their nerves in the 11-10 finish, sealing the win and sparking emotional celebrations from both players.
This win gave Anahat her second gold of the tournament and Joshna another Asian title to add to her illustrious resume.
A Historic Clean Sweep
India’s performance in Johor marks one of its most dominant showings at a continental squash event. Winning all three gold medals in mixed, men’s, and women’s doubles is not just unprecedented but a clear indication of India’s growing depth and strategy in doubles formats, which are becoming increasingly relevant in multi-sport events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
For Abhay Singh, this was a golden hat-trick: a mixed doubles title with Anahat and a successful title defense in men’s doubles with Velavan. His versatility and leadership stood out across all his matches.
For Anahat Singh, only 16, the championships served as a platform to shine against the continent’s best. Her agility, court sense, and fearlessness under pressure proved instrumental in both the mixed and women’s doubles wins.
Joshna Chinappa, playing in yet another Asian final, brought composure and authority to her pairing with Anahat, bridging generations and styles to secure gold. Her ability to guide the young Anahat in crunch moments was crucial in edging past the top seeds.
Velavan Senthilkumar, a mainstay of Indian squash, continued to deliver under pressure. His role in the title defense against Pakistan’s formidable pair proved his consistency at the highest level.
India’s Path to the Golds – Recap
- 🥇 Mixed Doubles
🇮🇳 Abhay Singh & Anahat Singh def. 🇲🇾 Rachel Arnold & Ameeshenraj
Score: 11-9, 11-7 - 🥇 Men’s Doubles
🇮🇳 Abhay Singh & Velavan Senthilkumar def. 🇵🇰 Noor Zaman & Nasir Iqbal
Score: 9-11, 11-5, 11-5 - 🥇 Women’s Doubles
🇮🇳 Joshna Chinappa & Anahat Singh def. 🇲🇾 Ainaa Amani & Xin Ying Yee
Score: 8-11, 11-9, 11-10
A Statement from Indian Squash
With these victories, India sends a strong message ahead of upcoming international events, including the Asian Games 2026, where squash doubles will again play a crucial role. The results highlight the emergence of a new generation, led by stars like Anahat and Velavan, while also showcasing the enduring excellence of veterans like Joshna and Abhay.
In a sport where partnerships matter as much as individual brilliance, Team India stood united and unbeatable.
