Bhubaneswar: Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa displayed her trademark grit and precision to advance to the semifinals of the Japan Open PSA Challenger in Yokohama. The 39-year-old defeated Egypt’s Nardine Garas in straight games — 11-8, 15-13, 11-9 — to secure her place in the last four.
The seasoned campaigner showed no signs of slowing down as she outplayed the second-seeded Egyptian in a contest that highlighted her sharp reflexes and calm under pressure. Chinappa will next face Egypt’s Rana Ismail, the fourth seed, for a spot in the final.
Her journey so far has been impressive. In the round of 16, she cruised past France’s Lauren Baltayan 11-7, 11-4, 11-9, after a commanding first-round win over Malaysia’s Anrie Goh, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6.
A stalwart of Indian squash, Joshna continues to defy age and expectations, proving that experience and determination can still outshine youth. Her run in Yokohama is yet another reminder of why she remains one of India’s most enduring sporting icons.
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