Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Nov 26: The 2025 SDAT–Squash World Cup is set to return to Chennai from December 9 to 14, with India’s top stars former World No. 10 Joshna Chinappa and national men’s No. 1 Abhay Singh gearing up to lead the country’s campaign on home soil. Sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Government, the marquee tournament will bring together elite squash talent from across the globe.
All five Continental Federations under World Squash will feature this year. Host nation India will be joined by teams from Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea and Hong Kong, China under the Asian banner. Egypt and South Africa will represent Africa; Poland and Switzerland from Europe; Australia from Oceania; and Brazil from Panamericana.
The opening ceremony will be held on December 8 at Express Avenue Mall, graced by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Top international dignitaries including World Squash president Zena Wooldridge, CEO William Louis-Marie and European Squash president Thomas Troedsson are expected to attend. Former World Squash chief N. Ramachandran, who heads the Championship Committee, thanked the state government and Express Avenue Mall for their continued support.
This edition carries special significance as the Indian Squash Academy marks its 25th anniversary. The competition format remains unchanged, with national squads comprising two men and two women competing in ties of four matches — each played as best-of-five games. The fast-paced scoring system introduced in the previous edition, featuring games to seven and sudden-death points at 6–6, will also continue.
Egypt enter as defending champions after their dramatic comeback against Malaysia at a packed Express Avenue Mall last year, while India finished third. The home team is now eyeing a stronger finish. Abhay Singh said he is focused on staying in the moment. “Have been preparing in earnest. I want to start strong and take one match at a time to keep the pressure low,” said the Chennai-born star, adding that home support will be a huge motivator.
For fellow Chennai player Velavan Senthilkumar, this will be his first World Cup appearance. Fresh off winning the 2025 Indian Nationals — where he defeated Abhay — the 27-year-old hopes to add another medal to his collection. Joshna Chinappa brings unmatched experience, having played a crucial role in topping Pool B in the previous edition.
Reflecting on her last World Cup match, Joshna recalled the emotion behind the win. “There will be days when I may not win and my team will, and days when I must deliver. That day, I had to do the job.”
SDAT Member Secretary J. Meghanatha Reddy said it was a proud moment for Tamil Nadu to host an event of this stature. Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Atulya Misra highlighted the state’s commitment to developing Olympic-bound sports, especially with squash set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The World Cup will be streamed live on WORLDSQUASH.TV globally and on the Olympic Channel.