Anahat Singh Beats Joshna Chinappa to Win Chennai Title

By Harshit - Dec 06, 2025 07:02 PM
Last updated on Dec 06, 2025 07:02 PM

India’s squash landscape witnessed an electrifying shift as teenage sensation Anahat Singh secured yet another milestone victory, showcasing not just her technical mastery but also her growing dominance on the PSA circuit. Her triumph over seasoned legend Joshna Chinappa in Chennai added yet another chapter to a rivalry that symbolizes the transition of Indian squash to a bold new era. The intensity of their clash, combined with Anahat’s remarkable consistency this season, served as a powerful reminder of how rapidly the sport is evolving in the country.

Alongside Anahat’s inspiring title run, Velavan Senthilkumar delivered a strong statement on the men’s side with a championship-winning performance marked by composure, grit and superior court movement. His victory against Egypt’s Adam Hawal capped off a week of outstanding performances and underscored his return to top competitive form. Both champions displayed exceptional craft, tactical intelligence and athletic precision, making the Chennai edition of the tournament one of the most memorable events of the season.

The performances of both Indian players reflect a powerful resurgence of homegrown athletes on the global squash stage. With a blend of youth, experience, and tactical evolution, the tournament stood as a celebration of India’s growing potential to produce world-class talent across both divisions.

Anahat Singh Extends Dominance With Thrilling Final Win

At just 17, Anahat Singh demonstrated why she is one of the brightest rising stars on the PSA Tour. Her 3-2 victory over Chennai crowd favourite Joshna Chinappa was nothing short of riveting, showcasing resilience, tactical maturity and nerves of steel. The gripping 52-minute battle concluded with scorelines of 11-8, 11-13, 11-13, 11-6, 11-8, reflecting just how closely contested and emotionally charged the clash was.

Known for her quick footwork and aggressive front-court play, Anahat adapted brilliantly to Joshna’s experience and counter-attacking style. The fact that the veteran pushed the contest to five games despite entering the match unseeded highlighted the competitive depth in Indian squash. For Anahat, this match solidified a dominant record — her third consecutive win over Joshna in professional competition.

Her path to the final was equally impressive. Anahat reached the title clash without dropping a single game, overpowering a string of strong international opponents. After receiving a first-round bye, she defeated Czechia’s Tamara Holzbauerova, Japan’s Akari Midorikawa and South Africa’s Hayley Ward, the tournament’s third seed. Each match showcased her rising consistency and ability to maintain pressure throughout long rallies.

Anahat Singh Grabs 14th PSA Title in Stellar Season Run

Anahat’s Chennai triumph marked her 14th PSA title — a staggering achievement given she has participated in only 21 professional events so far. This victory also became her fourth title of the season, adding to wins at the Indian Open in Mumbai, the SRFI Indian Tour in Chennai, and the SRFI Indian Open 2025 in Indore.

Her remarkable international journey this year includes defeating several top-20 world-ranked opponents and reaching advanced stages of higher-tier tournaments. At the Canadian Women’s Open, she recorded victories over world No. 7 Tinne Gilis and world No. 20 Melissa Alves, signaling her readiness to challenge elite-tier athletes.

Beyond her victories, Anahat’s achievements also carry symbolic weight. She became the first Indian woman to reach the final of a PSA World Tour Copper-level event at the NSW Squash Bega Open 2025 in Australia. Her growing global presence continues to elevate India’s profile on the professional squash circuit like never before.

Joshna Chinappa’s Experience Shines Through

Despite the final outcome, Joshna Chinappa displayed remarkable determination and experience throughout the tournament. At 39, she continues to challenge rising talents with her court awareness, touch and shot selection. Her ability to take two consecutive games off Anahat in the final demonstrated her enduring competitive spirit.

Joshna’s deep run in the tournament also highlights the valuable role veteran players play in shaping the next generation. Her recent performances prove she remains a formidable presence capable of delivering world-class squash under pressure.

Velavan Senthilkumar Captures Men’s Title With Commanding Win

On the men’s side, top seed Velavan Senthilkumar delivered a phenomenal performance to secure the title with a 3-1 victory over Egypt’s Adam Hawal. The scoreline of 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 in 62 minutes reflected both intensity and strategic brilliance. Velavan’s ability to dictate pace, retrieve difficult balls and switch gears at crucial moments proved decisive.

Velavan advanced to the final after a series of clinical outings where he dropped only one game — a testament to his control and endurance throughout the event. Wins over Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Laksiri and Australia’s Joseph White helped cement his momentum heading into the finale.

This championship marked Velavan’s 10th career PSA title, adding to a season that already featured a bronze medal at the Asian Squash Championships 2025. His performance underscored his increasing maturity and tactical evolution, strengthening his prospects on the global stage.

India’s New Era of Squash Excellence

The Chennai edition of the tournament symbolized far more than individual victories — it highlighted the depth, promise and ambition of Indian squash. With players like Anahat Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar rising swiftly through international ranks, the nation is cultivating a formidable presence in world squash.

The tournament also showcased India’s improving infrastructure, increasing international exposure and enhanced player development pathways. From experienced icons to young prodigies, the sport is entering one of its most exciting and transformative phases.

As India continues to produce athletes capable of winning major championships, tournaments like the HCL Squash Indian Tour 4 serve as vital platforms that sharpen competitiveness and raise national expectations. The victories secured in Chennai are not just individual milestones — they are reflections of an inspiring future for Indian squash.

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