India Script Historic First Squash World Cup Triumph on Home Soil

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India etched a golden chapter in its sporting history on Sunday by clinching the Squash World Cup for the first time, producing a dominant 3-0 win over top-seeded Hong Kong, China, in the final at Chennai's Express Avenue Mall. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the hosts delivered a composed and clinical performance to lift the prestigious mixed-team title.

The triumph made India only the fifth nation to win a major World Squash team championship, joining an elite group that includes Australia, Egypt, England and Pakistan. The result also carried emotional significance, as the Indian team erased memories of their semi-final exit at the same venue in 2023.

Veteran Joshna Chinappa set the early momentum in India's favour with a strong showing in the opening match against Ka Yi Lee. Despite facing a higher-ranked opponent, the 39-year-old Chennai native controlled most of the contest, using her experience and court craft to secure a four-game victory. She recovered from a second-game dip to close out the match 7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1 and give India a crucial early advantage.

Abhay Singh then tightened India's grip on the final with a commanding performance against Alex Lau. Drawing confidence from a favourable head-to-head record, the Chennai-born player dictated play with sharp attacking shots and excellent movement, wrapping up a straight-games win in just 19 minutes to put India 2-0 ahead.

With the title on the line, teenager Anahat Singh displayed remarkable maturity beyond her 17 years. Facing Tomato Ho, the Delhi youngster showed composure and consistency, outplaying her opponent to seal the match 7-2, 7-2, 7-5 and confirm India's historic triumph.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chinappa said as quoted as saying by IANS, "It feels great playing here in Chennai, I am still so thankful that I can still be a part of the India national team, it has always been my biggest motivation to keep playing and keep training to play for India.

"Playing here in Chennai with the home support and crowd supporting us, I felt like that made all of the difference so thank you so much for everyone who came out, who supported us, who cheered we really appreciate you."

Abhay Singh echoed the sentiment, saying: "An unbelievable evening, what more can I say? I am so privileged to be able to do this with some really legendary teammates and what an end to the year and what a week.

"I just want today a huge thank you to everyone who came out today, I think the crowd was probably one of the best crowds we have probably ever played in front of at home, and for me to be a Chennai boy and do this in front of my city makes me speechless.

"I think this will pump up a lot of kids watching from the India squash academy and those watching at home, I really want to just tell the kids, just work hard and push and push and push. Discipline can get you very far, and hopefully some of them can do it in the future when I am sat on the sofa watching, but I think tonight it is time to celebrate!"