At 39, most professional athletes have long stepped away from the intensity of elite competition. But Joshna Chinappa isn’t most athletes.
The Indian squash legend, known for her elegance, endurance, and sheer willpower, rolled back the years in Yokohama, Japan capturing the Japan Open 2025 ($15,000 PSA Challenger) and scripting one of the most inspiring comebacks Indian squash has witnessed in recent memory. Her victory wasn’t just another addition to her glittering résumé; it was a testament to longevity, discipline, and an undying love for the game.
Joshna, currently ranked World No. 117, entered the tournament unseeded and relatively under the radar. What followed was a week of vintage brilliance, each round reminding fans of the player who once stood among the world’s Top 10.
Round of 32: She began confidently, defeating Anrie Goh (Malaysia) 3–0 to settle into rhythm.
Round of 16: Facing the fifth seed Lauran Baltayan (France), Joshna dismantled her opponent with precision and control, again winning 3–0 to book her quarterfinal spot.
Quarterfinal: Against 2nd seed Nardine Garas (World No. 49, Egypt), Joshna produced her most complete performance of the event a 3–0 sweep (11-8, 15-13, 11-9) — showing she still thrives under pressure.
Semifinal: Up against 4th seed Rana Ismail (World No. 79, Egypt), Joshna was relentless, breezing through in just 24 minutes with a stunning 11-7, 11-1, 11-5 victory.
Final: The title clash pitted her against 3rd seed Haya Ali (Egypt). In a match that showcased her tactical maturity and composure, Joshna triumphed 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 to clinch the championship her first PSA Tour title in years, and her 11th overall.
It was fitting that her path to the trophy went through three higher-ranked Egyptian opponents, a nation that dominates modern squash. For Joshna, each win was not just an upset it was a reminder that experience, when combined with fitness and belief, can still conquer youth and power.
A Decade Between Titles: Persistence Redefined
Joshna’s last PSA title came in 2015 a time when the sport itself looked different, and she was at the peak of her career. Ten years later, the victory in Japan carries deeper significance.
For much of the last few seasons, injuries and form fluctuations tested her resolve. Yet, even as younger Indian players emerged on the circuit, Joshna never fully stepped away. Instead, she rebuilt quietly, focusing on recovery, conditioning, and selective tournaments. Her triumph in Yokohama is, therefore, not just about a trophy it’s about validation. It proves that her commitment to staying relevant in one of the world’s most physically demanding sports remains undiminished.
Squash is unforgiving its rallies are short, explosive, and relentless. Reflexes and endurance often separate contenders from champions. For a 39-year-old to outlast opponents in their early 20s, all from the powerhouse Egyptian system, is extraordinary. Joshna’s achievement mirrors the mindset of elite athletes who refuse to yield to time. Much like tennis’s Serena Williams or track legend Allyson Felix, she has extended her career through adaptation relying less on pure pace and more on court awareness, precision, and tactical intelligence.
The semifinal against Rana Ismail perfectly encapsulated that shift. Joshna’s placement, angles, and tempo changes forced errors from an opponent nearly half her age. It was the performance of a veteran who knows how to win, not just how to play.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Joshna Chinappa’s journey is intertwined with the story of Indian squash itself. Alongside Dipika Pallikal, she redefined the sport’s perception in the country, breaking into the top echelons of world squash and winning the Commonwealth Games doubles gold in 2014 India’s first in the discipline.
Her individual milestones are equally impressive:
- 11 PSA Tour titles across her career.
- Former World No. 10 (the first Indian woman to achieve this ranking).
- Over 20 years on the professional circuit, representing India in countless World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth tournaments.
Yet, it is her enduring commitment even after achieving everything that sets her apart. Her decision to continue competing, training, and traveling across continents long after her peers retired speaks volumes about her inner drive.
A Title That Resonates Beyond the Court
For Indian squash, Joshna’s Japan Open win is symbolic. In an era where the country is nurturing a promising new generation with players like Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna, and Abhay Singh Joshna’s success bridges eras.
It sends a powerful message: experience and consistency remain invaluable, and Indian squash’s rise continues to be built on the foundations laid by veterans like her and Saurav Ghosal. Moreover, her win adds momentum to India’s broader narrative in racket sports. With Indian shuttlers, tennis players, and now squash stars delivering globally, Joshna’s victory reinforces India’s multi-sport growth story.
While Joshna hasn’t made a flamboyant statement post-win, her quiet resilience speaks for itself. Those close to her describe this victory as “vintage Joshna” calm under fire, relentlessly disciplined, and quietly confident. In an age dominated by social media-driven stardom, Joshna’s story is refreshingly old-school driven by craft, humility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
At 39, Joshna is well past the typical retirement age for a professional athlete. Yet, her latest title shows she remains competitive enough to challenge even the top-50 players. While she may not chase rankings with the same intensity as before, this win could serve as a springboard for one final chapter perhaps a farewell season on her own terms. Her focus now may shift toward mentoring helping shape the next generation of Indian squash players while still savoring the thrill of competition. Either way, Yokohama has ensured her legacy remains not just intact, but enhanced a fitting reward for two decades of unyielding passion.
When the final point was won in Japan, Joshna didn’t leap or shout. She smiled the kind of smile that comes only from quiet satisfaction and redemption. After a decade-long wait, a lifetime of commitment, and a week of flawless squash, Joshna Chinappa reminded the sporting world that greatness doesn’t fade with age it only matures.
At 39, she has done what few believed possible: returned to the winner’s podium, not as a veteran chasing memories, but as a champion rewriting them.
