INDIAN SQUASH PLAYER VELAVAN SENTHIKUMAR BATTLES ON AS ASIAN SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 SEMIFINALS

A straight-game victory on Thursday propelled Velavan Senthilkumar, the lone Indian remaining in the competition, to the men's singles semi-finals at the Asian Squash Championships 2025. The top-ranked Indian squash player defeated Malaysia's Joachim Chuah, currently ranked world No. 196, with a convincing score of 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-6) in the quarterfinals.

Senthilkumar, who is ranked 45th in the men's singles standings, will now face off against second-seeded Lau Tsz Kwan of Hong Kong in the semifinals. The Indian had previously won a silver medal in the last edition of the Asian Squash Championships held in 2023, when he fell short to Malaysian Ng Eain Yow.

The victory on Thursday ensures that Senthikumar will secure at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists will claim a bronze. The Indian has not dropped a game yet in the championship, cementing his position as a serious title contender.

In contrast, fellow Indians Diwarkar Singh and Rahul Baitha failed to progress beyond the men's round of 32, while Suraj Chand exited in the pre-quarterfinals. Despite this, Senthikumar's impressive form remains a source of hope for Indian squash fans. His next challenge will be to stop Hong Kong's Lau Tsz Kwan from advancing to the final.