Big-time squash is returning to the vibrant city as Chennai prepares to host the Squash World Cup from December 9 to 14. A total of 12 teams, including hosts India, will participate in the championship to be held at the iconic Express Avenue Mall and the Indian Squash Academy.The teams have been divided into four groups of three each, with India grouped alongside Brazil and Switzerland. Sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Government, the event will bring together top squash talent from across the globe to compete for the prestigious trophy, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also holds the Sports portfolio, and Organising Committee Chairman N. Ramachandran told reporters.
All five Continental Federations of World Squash will be represented this year. From Asia, India will be joined by Iran, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Hong Kong (China). Africa will have Egypt and South Africa, Europe will be represented by Poland and Switzerland, Oceania by Australia, and Panamericana by Brazil.
Several dignitaries including Zena Wooldridge, OBE, President of World Squash; William Louis-Marie, CEO of World Squash; Thomas Troedsson, President of European Squash; Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia; and David Mui, Patron of the Asian Squash Federation and Vice President of World Squash will attend the opening ceremony on December 8.
This edition also marks a special milestone as the Indian Squash Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary. Each team will comprise two men and two women, playing four games per match in a best-of-five format. The format introduced in the previous edition — with games to seven points and sudden-death at 6–6 — will continue, a feature that has been praised for its fast pace and gender balance.
Egypt won the last edition in a thrilling come-from-behind win over Malaysia, while India secured third place. With a bronze in 2023, India enters this year’s tournament with strong hopes of clinching gold, boosted by a blend of experienced players and exciting debutants.
India Men’s No.1 Abhay Singh will look to shine on home turf, joined by Velavan Senthilkumar, who makes his World Cup debut. Senthilkumar comes in after winning the National title in August, defeating Abhay in the final, and will aim to continue his winning form.
Former World No.10 Joshna Chinappa will look to improve upon India’s third-place finish from 2023. She was instrumental in India topping Pool B last year with a memorable win against top seed Satomi Watanabe. Joshna will join Women’s No.1 Anahat Singh, the youngest player in the tournament at 17, who will be making her World Cup debut and hopes to make a significant impact.
Groupings:
Group A: Hong Kong, South Africa, South Korea
Group B: India, Brazil, Switzerland
Group C: Malaysia, Australia, Poland
Group D: Japan, Egypt, Iran