Chennai, Dec 9: The WSF Squash World Cup returns to Chennai for its 2025 edition, bringing together twelve nations for a six-day mixed-team contest beginning Tuesday (December 9).
The city, which last hosted the tournament in 2023, once again becomes the global centre of squash as matches take place across two iconic venues - the Express Avenue Mall and the Indian Squash Academy.
This year marks the biggest edition yet, with four more teams added to the field compared to 2023. The expansion reflects the sport's growing global footprint, as nations from Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and South America compete in the only international mixed-team competition in squash.
India, who secured a historic bronze in 2023, enter the tournament with momentum,
a balanced squad, and two of Asia's most consistent performers this season. With a favourable draw and home support behind them, expectations of another deep run are high.
India Squad for Squash World Cup 2025 & Latest World Rankings
India will field a mix of youth, experience and world-class doubles pedigree.
Women:
Anahat Singh - World No. 29 (India's top-ranked woman; youngest player at the tournament): The 17-year-old prodigy will make her World Cup debut after a standout year that included gold at the Asian Doubles Championships and multiple PSA Tour breakthroughs.
Joshna Chinappa - Former World No. 10: At 39, Joshna returns after helping India secure its best-ever bronze in 2023. She also partnered Anahat to Asian doubles gold earlier this year.
Men:
Abhay Singh - World No. 28 (India's top-ranked man): One of India's most improved players, Abhay is fresh off title runs at the 2024 & 2025 Asian Doubles Championships.
Velavan Senthilkumar - World No. 62 (World Cup debut): The Chennai-based player has been instrumental in India's success at the 2022 Men's Asian Team Championships and is expected to thrive in home conditions.
Together, this squad combines rising talent with high-pressure experience - making India a strong contender to top their group.
Tournament Format & What's New in 2025
The mixed-team format - introduced in 2023 - continues this year:
- Each tie consists of four best-of-five-game matches
- Each game is played to 7 points (sudden death at 6-6)
Points system:
- Woman #1 → 2 points
- Man #1 → 2 points
- Woman #2 → 1 point
- Man #2 → 1 point
Ties level on points in knockouts will be decided by game difference
This fast-paced, explosive scoring format has been credited with making squash more TV- and spectator-friendly.
Teams & Pools for WSF Squash World Cup 2025
The 12 competing nations have been divided into four pools of three:
| Pool | Team |
|---|---|
| Pool A | Hong Kong China |
| South Africa | |
| Republic of Korea | |
| Pool B (India's Group) | India |
| Brazil | |
| Switzerland | |
| Pool C | Malaysia |
| Australia | |
| Poland | |
| Pool D | Japan |
| Egypt | |
| Iran |
The top two teams from each pool qualify for the quarterfinals on December 12, followed by semifinals and the final on December 14.
Day 1 Preview - India Begin vs Switzerland
India open their 2025 campaign against Switzerland in a high-stakes Pool B encounter.
WSF Squash World Cup - Day 1 Match Schedule (Dec 9, IST)
- 10:30 AM - Pool A: Hong Kong China vs Korea
- 1:00 PM - Pool C: Malaysia vs Poland
- 3:30 PM - Pool D: Japan vs Iran
- 6:00 PM - Pool B: India vs Switzerland
Venue: Express Avenue Mall, Chennai
A win in their opening tie would give India a strong platform to top their group and avoid early knockout pressure.
Venues
Express Avenue Mall, Chennai - Glass court for marquee matches
Indian Squash Academy - Training venue & additional group fixtures
Chennai's combination of mall-court visibility and world-class academy facilities has previously drawn global praise. The 2025 Squash World Cup will be staged across two venues - the Express Avenue Mall and the Indian Squash Academy - to blend mass public engagement with high-performance infrastructure.
While the mall's glass court is designed to showcase squash to thousands of casual spectators and boost the sport's visibility, the Academy provides world-class courts, training conditions, and logistical support essential for hosting a global mixed-team championship.
Where to Watch Squash World Cup 2025 Live in India
Live Streaming: WorldSquashTV Olympics.com
There will be no TV broadcast of the tournament in India.
India's Chances: A Balanced Squad & Home Advantage
India's biggest strengths heading into the 2025 edition:
- Two top-30 world-ranked players (Anahat & Abhay)
- Asian champions across men's & women's doubles
- Experience from 2023 bronze-winning campaign
Chennai home advantage
If India top Pool B, their likely quarterfinal opponents could come from Pool A, where Korea and South Africa pose challenges. With Egypt, Malaysia and Japan strong as ever, the knockout rounds promise high-intensity squash.
