The Daily College SRFI Indian Open 2025 wrapped up in Indore on November 22, bringing five days of high-quality squash to a vibrant and appreciative crowd.
The bronze-level PSA event delivered contrasting storylines for Indian squash a thrilling all-Indian women’s final headlined by rising star Anahat Singh and veteran Joshna Chinappa, and a disappointing run from the Indian men’s contingent, who failed to advance deep into the competition.
Anahat Singh’s Triumph and Joshna Chinappa’s Resurgence
The women’s event showcased the depth of Indian talent, culminating in a gripping championship match between 17-year-old Anahat Singh and seasoned campaigner Joshna Chinappa. It was a symbolic contest youth against experience and one that showed the evolution of Indian squash.
Anahat, already one of the brightest prospects in the sport, continues to build an extraordinary résumé. In just two years on the PSA Tour, she has now reached 14 finals, winning 12 titles, boasting an exceptional 89% win rate. The Indian Open marked her fourth final of the 2025 season, following successful runs at the NSW Squash Bega Open, JSW Indian Open, and the National Squash Championship with Bega being her only runner-up finish this year.
Seeded No.1, Anahat started strongly, earning a first-round bye before notching convincing wins over Arthi Raghu in the Round of 16 and world No.107 Katerina Tycová in the quarterfinals. Her semifinal clash against Ireland’s Hannah Craig, however, tested her resilience. Trailing 1–2, Anahat clawed back to win 11–4, 10–12, 9–11, 11–6, 11–4, displaying maturity beyond her age.
Joshna Chinappa, meanwhile, delivered a powerful reminder of her enduring class. The former world No.10 upset fourth seed Baltyan in the pre-quarters, then swept past seventh seed Sofia Mateos 11–4, 11–6, 11–3, extending her unbeaten head-to-head record to 3–0 against the Spaniard. In the semifinals, Joshna ousted second seed N. Elhammamy with a gritty 3–1 win, setting up a dream final. The title match lived up to every expectation. Across five momentum-shifting games, both players produced high-quality squash before Anahat edged ahead in the decider to clinch the championship 11–8, 11–13, 11–9, 6–11, 11–9. The result underscored not just her skill but her belief — hallmark traits of champions in the making.
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In contrast, India’s men endured a forgettable tournament. World No.51 Veer Chotrani started confidently with a straight-games win over D. Poleshchuk, but top seed Youssef Soliman proved too strong in the Round of 16, defeating Chotrani 9–11, 11–9, 3–11, 6–11.
Seventh seed Ramit Tandon also bowed out against Soliman, this time in the quarterfinals. After beating S. Osborne-Walde in the previous round, Tandon pushed the Egyptian but eventually lost 5–11, 11–9, 11–3, 3–11, 5–11.
The major disappointment came from India’s biggest medal hope, Abhay Singh. Seeded fifth, Abhay’s campaign ended abruptly when he lost to lower-ranked Swiss player Yannick Wilhelmi in straight games — 3–11, 3–11, 7–11. It was his first defeat against Wilhelmi in three meetings and a result that highlighted India’s struggles in the men’s draw.
The men’s final saw Mohamad Zakaria claim the title with a 3–1 win over Soliman, earning valuable ranking points and the tournament’s US$73,000 top prize. The women’s champion, Anahat, took home US$15,000.
A Tournament That Signals India’s Ambition
The 2025 Indian Open reinforced India’s growing stature in global squash. The use of a glass court, strong international participation, and professionally managed facilities all pointed to a sport striving to elevate its presence. Most importantly, the contrasting fortunes of the men and women highlighted where India stands today. The women’s all-Indian final felt symbolic a passing of the baton from Joshna Chinappa, the nation’s most decorated player, to the precociously gifted Anahat Singh, who is shaping into India’s next global contender.
For Indian squash, the week in Indore delivered both celebration and reflection and a clear message about the direction the sport is taking.
