FILE PHOTO: Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa in action. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU

Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa completed a double each in the 3rd HCL National doubles squash championships at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai 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 responded with a precise backhand drop that Suraj could not retrieve. Velavan later produced a powerful forehand smash into the left corner to make it 8-5, before another extended rally ended with Suraj unable to pick up a low ball. Abhay and Velavan closed out 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 held the advantage for most of the second game, opening up a 7-4 lead after a stroke decision went in their favour. Joshna and Velavan gradually clawed their way back into the contest, but Abhay restored a two-point cushion at 9-7 with an exquisite drop into the right corner. Just when the game appeared headed for a decider, Joshna and Velavan produced a late surge, levelling at 9-9 before taking the final two points—including a crucial stroke award—to clinch the game 11-9. 

Published on May 16, 2026