Joshna Chinappa, Velavan Senthilkumar, Abhay Singh and Rathika Seelan — the men’s and women’s winners at the National doubles squash championships — along with Amit Paladhi, HCL, chief guest Dr. R. Natarajan, IRS, and Cyrus Poncha, SRFI secretary general.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa completed a double each in the third HCL National doubles squash championships at the Indian Squash Academy here on Saturday, clinching the mixed doubles title after winning the men’s and women’s crowns respectively.
After top seeds Joshna and Rathika Seelan secured the women’s title with a comfortable 11-8, 11-4 win over the unseeded pair of Janet Vidhi and Pooja Arthi, Velavan and Abhay Singh claimed the men’s title for the third straight time.
Abhay and Velavan won the opening game 11-8 after Suraj Kumar Chand and Rahul Baitha fought back from 5-8 to 7-8.
The pair took control of the second game after an even start, with Abhay’s delicate drop into the corner and Velavan’s crisp backhand winner helping them build a 5-2 lead. Suraj and Rahul briefly fought back to 4-5, but Abhay and Velavan maintained the pressure with controlled rallies and sharp winners to seal the game 11-5.
In the mixed doubles summit clash, Joshna and Velavan took the opening game 11-7 after leading 7-3, with Abhay and Rathika narrowing the deficit to 7-8.
Abhay and Rathika led 7-4 and later 9-7 in the second game, but Joshna and Velavan fought back strongly, levelling 9-9 before taking the final two points — including a crucial stroke award — to clinch the game 11-9.
The results (finals): Men: Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar bt Rahul Baitha and Suraj Kumar Chand 11-8, 11-5.
Women: Joshna Chinappa and Rathika Seelan bt Janet Vidhi and Pooja Arthi 11-8, 11-4.
Mixed: Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar bt Rathika Seelan and Abhay Singh 11-7, 11-9.
Published – May 16, 2026 06:32 pm IST
