Suraj Kumar Chand Triumphs at 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash
Suraj Kumar Chand Secures Gold for India
In an exhilarating final at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash, Suraj Kumar Chand from India claimed the men's singles title by defeating Hungary's Benedek Takacs. The match, held in Mumbai, saw Suraj emerge victorious after a gripping five-game battle, while Spain's Marta Dominguez Fernandez captured the women's singles title.
Representing India and Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Suraj triumphed over Takacs with a score of 3-2. The match was tightly contested, with both players winning two games each before Suraj dominated the final game, winning 11-4 and securing the gold medal amidst cheers from the home crowd.
Marta Dominguez Fernandez Claims Women's Championship
In the women's final, Marta Dominguez Fernandez of Spain showcased her skill by defeating Hong Kong's Ching Hei Fung with a decisive 3-0 score. This victory not only added to Spain's accolades in international university squash but also held special meaning for Marta, as it coincided with her father's birthday.
Journey to the Finals
Suraj's path to the final included a remarkable comeback against France's Joshua Jacques-Phinera in the semi-finals, demonstrating his resilience throughout the tournament. Marta maintained her impressive performance, culminating in her dominant title match.
Reflecting on his victory, Suraj stated, "Benedek is an exceptional player, and I knew it would be a tough final. This is one of the most memorable matches of my career. Winning on home courts, with so much support behind me, is a dream come true. I'm grateful to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey."
Celebrating University Squash Excellence
The singles competition's conclusion marks a significant milestone in the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash, which featured student-athletes from 14 countries competing over four days. Hosted by Somaiya Vidyavihar University in partnership with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and supported by the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), the event showcased the rising standards of university squash.
As medals were awarded and champions celebrated, the event highlighted sporting excellence, international camaraderie, and the growing prominence of university squash globally. The championship will now transition to the much-anticipated team competition, where nations will vie for world honors.