Indian squash entered a new chapter on home soil as Team India reached the final of the Squash World Cup for the first time, producing a series of commanding performances that underlined the country’s growing stature in the sport.
Competing in Chennai, the Indian mixed team swept aside a depleted but traditionally dominant Egyptian side 3–0 in the semifinals to book a historic place in the summit clash, where they will face top seeds Hong Kong.
For a nation that has steadily climbed the global squash ladder over the past decade, this run represents both a milestone and a validation of sustained investment in talent development.
India had previously finished with a bronze medal at the World Cup, but this campaign has guaranteed at least a silver, with the possibility of an even bigger reward.
The semifinal against Egypt, the defending champions and perennial powerhouse of world squash, was expected to be a stern test. However, India seized the moment emphatically.
Velavan Senthilkumar set the tone with a clinical 3–0 win over Ibrahim Elkabbani, controlling the tempo and keeping errors to a minimum. His performance gave India an early advantage and visibly shifted the pressure onto the Egyptians.
Teenage sensation Anahat Singh then delivered one of the defining performances of the tournament. Facing Nour Heikal, Anahat was pushed to her limits in a five-game battle.
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Displaying remarkable composure for her age, she absorbed the pressure, defended resolutely, and picked her moments to attack, edging out Heikal 3–2 to secure the decisive second point for India.
With momentum firmly on India’s side, Abhay Singh ensured there would be no late twist. The experienced campaigner overcame Adam Hawal 3–1, closing out the tie in style and sending the home crowd into celebration.
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The clean sweep over Egypt marked a symbolic shift, highlighting India’s ability to capitalise when opportunity presents itself at the highest level.
India’s path to the final had already been marked by authority. In the quarterfinals, the hosts blanked South Africa 3–0 to reach the semifinals for the second consecutive edition of the Squash World Cup. Joshna Chinappa rolled back the years with a composed 3–0 victory over Teagan Russell, setting the platform with her trademark consistency and court craft.
Abhay Singh followed up with another straight-games win, defeating Dewald van Niekerk 3–0 to double India’s advantage. Anahat Singh then completed the sweep, beating Hayley Ward 3–0 in a performance that combined defensive discipline with fearless attacking play.
That dominant display against South Africa underlined the balance in India’s squad, with veterans and youngsters contributing equally.
The semifinal against Egypt was always going to be a step up in intensity. Egypt’s decision to field a relatively inexperienced lineup for this mixed team championship opened a window, and India did not hesitate to climb through it.
While Egypt’s depth has long been the gold standard in world squash, India’s preparedness, tactical clarity, and ability to handle big-match pressure proved decisive.
This campaign has also highlighted the emergence of Anahat Singh as a genuine force on the world stage. Still in her teens, she has delivered under pressure in both the quarterfinals and semifinals, showing maturity that belies her age. Alongside her, the reliability of players like Abhay Singh and the attacking intent of Velavan Senthilkumar have given India a formidable core.
The setting in Chennai has added an extra layer to the achievement. Playing at home, India have fed off the energy of the crowd, turning key moments into momentum-shifting surges.
The support has been loud, knowledgeable, and unwavering, reinforcing squash’s growing footprint in the country.
Standing between India and a historic gold medal is Hong Kong, the top-seeded team and a side known for its depth and tactical discipline. The final will test India’s ability to recover physically and mentally after a high-intensity run, but confidence within the camp will be high.
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Having already beaten the defending champions, India enter the title clash with belief rather than burden.
Regardless of the final outcome, this World Cup has already reshaped the narrative of Indian squash. From being contenders for podium finishes, India have now announced themselves as finalists on the biggest team stage. The medal colour has improved, the ceiling has been raised, and a pathway for future success has been clearly marked.
The final against Hong Kong offers India a chance to complete a fairytale run.
Win or lose, the message is clear: Indian squash has arrived, and it belongs among the world’s elite.
