National Squash Championship 2025: Joshna survives Unnati challenge to enter semifinals; Velavan advances

The evergreen Joshna Chinappa was in a spot of bother, but shrugged off the lethargy to beat Unnati Tripathi 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4 in the quarterfinals of the 81st National Squash Championship at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old Joshna, who has won a record 18 national titles and was ranked in the top 10 of the world at her prime, will be up against second seed Akanksha Salunkhe in the semifinals.

Akanksha was in vibrant form as she raced past Shameena Riaz in straight games.

In fact, except for Joshna’s match, all the other seven quarterfinals in the men’s and women’s sections were won in straight games.

The other semifinal in the women’s event will be between top seed and defending champion Anahat Singh, who dropped just five points against Pooja Arthi, and Tanvi Khanna.

Sanya Vats looked to be fighting well against Tanvi, but after two games she retired.

FILE PHOTO: Like Joshana, more competitive minutes on court, may do good to Velavan who will play Veer in the semifinals.
| Photo Credit:
VEDHAN M

In the men’s section, second seed Velavan Senthilkumar alone had to stretch a little more than the other three — Abhay Singh, Ramit Tandon and Veer Chotrani — to make the semifinals.

Velavan stopped the fine run of Yash Fadte 11-6, 11-6, 11-8.

But like Joshana, more competitive minutes on court, may do good to Velavan who will play Veer in the semifinals.

Abhay, the defending champion, was sharpening his arsenal in his second match, after having tested Aryan Pratap Singh in the earlier round.

Published on Aug 26, 2025