Host nation India rout Switzerland 4-0 in campaign opener

The hosts, India, opened in style, defeating the debutants Switzerland 4-0 in their Pool B opener at the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025, which is happening in Chennai, Express Avenue Mall.

Japan and Hong Kong, China, also won their first matches, defeating debutants the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea, respectively. The tournament is a mixed-team event and will be in action from December 9 to 14, 2025.

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The Indian team consists of Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar in the men’s category. Former world No. 10 Joshna Chinappa and world No. 28 Anahat Singh, who will make her World Cup debut, will be leading the women’s side. Each tie features two men and two women playing best-of-five games to seven points.

India’s national champion Velavan Senthilkumar, who is ranked 45th in the men’s squash standings, clinched the first match win by defeating world No. 296 Robin Gadola 3-0 (7-6, 7-6, 7-5). Two-time World Squash team bronze medallist Gadola took a 6-5 lead in the opening match. With narrow margins, Velavan scored two consecutive points, taking the lead.

17-year-old Anahat Singh, who is also the youngest squash player in the competition, defeated Celine Walser 3-0 (7-1, 7-4, 7-2) in the second match. Walser tried to make a brief comeback at 4-4 in the second set, but Anahat managed to secure the victory with her focus and calm demeanor.

In the third match, world no. 29 Abhay Singh defeated Louai Hafez 3-0 (7-0, 7-5, 7-3). He took the lead early on, not letting the Swiss player make a comeback.

Veteran Joshna Chinappa defeated Stella Kaufmann 3-1 (7-1, 5-7, 7-2, 7-0) to complete the sweep. The 39-year-old was able to maintain the momentum after losing the second game.

“It feels good to get that first win,” said India’s national coach, Harinder Pal Sandhu. “The first match is always a bit nervy, playing in front of a home crowd with a lot of people supporting, so it’s good to get all of that out in the first match.”

“Going forward we’re going to be really hungry, and there’s going to be a lot of desire. We’re hoping to do well!” he added.

India, who won the bronze medal in the previous edition of the World Cup in 2023, which was also organised in Chennai, will take on Brazil in their second Pool B encounter.

The tournament in 2023 was held after a 12-year break with changes in the scoring format and key changes in the gender parity within teams. The twelve competing countries are divided into four groups of three, and the top two from each group advance to the quarter-finals.

The fans can watch the live 2025 Squash World Cup on the World Squash official website, worldsquash.tv, and the Olympic Channel.

Groups of 2025 Squash World Cup

Group A – Hong Kong, South Africa, South Korea

Group B – India, Brazil, Switzerland

Group C – Malaysia, Australia, Poland

Group D – Japan, Egypt, Iran

Schedule of 2025 Squash World Cup

December 09 – Group Stage Matchday-1 – India Vs Switzerland – 6:00 PM IST

December 11- Group Stage Matchday 2 – India Vs Brazil – 2:30 PM IST

December 12 – Quarterfinals

December 13 – Semi-finals

December 14 – Final