Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitates Indian Squash Team After Historic World Cup Win in Chennai

New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday felicitated the Indian Squash team for winning their maiden Squash World Cup title, calling it a proud moment for Indian sport and a reflection of the country’s growing strength in the global sports arena.

The Indian mixed team, comprising Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar, and Anahat Singh, created history by clinching the title in Chennai last Saturday. India registered a dominant 3–0 victory over top-seeded Hong Kong in the final, becoming only the fourth nation to win the Squash World Cup after Australia, England, and Egypt.

“This is a proud moment for Indian sport. India is doing exceptionally well in the sports sector and we are creating milestones one after another. Our women’s cricket team also won the World Cup recently,” Dr. Mandaviya said while congratulating the players.

The victory marked a significant improvement from India’s bronze medal finish at the 2023 edition and was made more special as the team remained undefeated throughout the tournament, winning the championship on home soil.

The Sports Minister also highlighted the role of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), under which India’s leading squash players have received sustained support through high-performance training, international exposure, and expert guidance.

Seventeen-year-old Anahat Singh, the youngest member of the team, credited the Chennai crowd for their unwavering support. “It was my first World Cup playing alongside my seniors. It was a great learning experience, and the crowd support made it even more special,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Indian Squash team has set its sights on the Asian Games 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where squash will make its Olympic debut.

Veteran player Joshna Chinappa, a Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee, expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. “We have been preparing for months, and this World Cup win gives us a lot of confidence. I hope to stay in top shape and qualify for the Games,” she said.

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