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India's Historic Squash World Cup Win: How It Will Inspire a Generation

India has made history by winning its first-ever Squash World Cup title on home soil in Chennai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, highlighting how this victory will boost the sport's popularity among the country's youth. The team, featuring stars like Joshna Chinnappa and teenager Anahat Singh, routed top seeds Hong Kong in the final. This win marks India as only the sixth nation to ever claim a major World Squash team championship.

Key Points: PM Modi Congratulates Indian Squash Team on Historic World Cup Win

  • India defeated top seeds Hong Kong in Chennai to win their first-ever Squash World Cup title
  • Prime Minister Modi praised the team's dedication and said the win would inspire youth
  • The victory exorcised the ghosts of a semi-final exit in the previous 2023 edition
  • Teenager Anahat Singh sealed the historic win with a dominant performance in the final match
2 min read

It'll boost popularity of squash among youth: PM Modi congratulates Indian team on historic WC win

PM Modi hails India's first-ever Squash World Cup victory, praising Joshna Chinnappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthil Kumar, and Anahat Singh for their historic triumph in Chennai.

"This win will also boost the popularity of squash among our youth. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Dec 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian team on winning the first-ever Squash World Cup, saying the victory will boost the sport's popularity among the youth.

Hosts India were crowned Squash World Cup champions after routing top seeds Hong Kong on home turf at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai on Sunday.

"Congratulations to the Indian Squash Team for creating history and winning their first-ever World Cup title at SDAT Squash World Cup 2025!" PM Modi shared on X.

"Joshna Chinnappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthil Kumar and Anahat Singh have displayed tremendous dedication and determination. Their success has made the entire nation proud. This win will also boost the popularity of squash among our youth," he added.

India approached Sunday's summit clash to exorcise the ghosts of their previous edition's upset, when they exited in the semi-finals, held on the same court in 2023.

In the opening match, 39-year-old Chennai native Joshna Chinappa faced 32-year-old Ka Yi Lee and recorded a 7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1 victory.

Up next, men's first string Abhay Singh took on Alex Lau and dominated the match with aggressive and precise line hitting as he doubled India's lead with scores of 7-1, 7-4, 7-4 in just 19 minutes.

This win left the top seeds staring down the barrel, with women's first string Tomato Ho needing to secure a significant victory over 17-year-old Anahat Singh.

To the crowd's delight, Anahat rose to the occasion. The Delhi native, who made global headlines when she competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games aged just 14, displayed nerves of steel, completely overpowering Ho on the court with a 7-2, 7-2, 7-5 win.

That victory secured India's place in history as only the sixth nation to win a major World Squash team championship.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Joshna Chinappa at 39 winning her match is just incredible! Age is just a number. This victory is huge for a sport that doesn't always get the spotlight. PM is right, this will definitely make more kids pick up a squash racket. Well done team!
A
Aman W
While the win is fantastic and the players deserve all praise, I hope this translates into actual government support and funding for squash. We celebrate once, but consistent infrastructure and training programs are what will truly "boost popularity". Let's see the follow-through.
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Sarah B
Watching the finals was thrilling! The energy in Chennai was electric. Abhay Singh's match was over in 19 minutes - what dominance! So happy for Indian sports. We are becoming a powerhouse in so many arenas beyond just cricket.
V
Vikram M
Heartiest congratulations to the entire team! 🏆 Beating the top seeds on home turf makes it even sweeter. Velavan Senthil Kumar's contribution was crucial too. This is a historic moment for Indian squash. Hope the media gives this as much coverage as they do to cricket.
K
Kriti O
As a parent, this is so motivating. My daughter has been curious about squash. Seeing young Anahat succeed on the world stage is the best encouragement. Time to look for a good academy! More power to our athletes.

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