Joshna Chinappa Makes History As First Indian To Bag Asian Squash Title

Former junior Asian champion, Joshna Chinappa, has become the first Indian to ever win the 19th Asian Individual Squash Championships, thus scripting history. On Sunday, April 30, the Indian defeated compatriot and Squash  pro Dipika Pallikal Karthik in the women’s final in Chennai.

On the sunny morning at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai, Chinappa beat Pallikal 13-15, 12-10, 11-13, 11-4, 11-4 in a match that lasted 78 minutes. She brought home glory from the biggest podium, earning the biggest title of her career.

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In the first game, the two Indians fought rather strongly and defended their pace with tight competition from both sides. Pallikal took the round at the end. The second game took time to set but at the end, Chinappa saved the round. Both the players thus gave each other a tough fight. While Pallikal took a crucial lead in the third game, it was Chinappa who clinched the decider.

Congratulations to @joshnachinappa on winning the Asian Individual #Squash Championship! Best wishes! pic.twitter.com/mKEDCFprlM

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) May 1, 2017

World No.14 Chinappa sealed a powerful triumph, with the crowd cheering on.

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Meanwhile, in the men’s final, Saurav Ghosal who was fighting No.1 seed Max Lee, was defeated 5-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 and finished second best.

When @joshnachinappa became Asian #Squash Champion #SquashInTheMall pic.twitter.com/ZlzsldVnEv

— SRFI (@indiasquash) April 30, 2017

Congratulations Joshna!

Feature Image Credit: Hindustan Times

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