Suraj Kumar Chand scripted history on August 6 by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in men’s singles at the FISU World University Squash Championship in Mumbai. The second-seeded Indian defeated Hungary’s Benedek Takács 3–2 in a closely fought final at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, completing a remarkable journey that began with a bronze medal at the same championship in Johannesburg in 2024.
Chand’s victory also delivered India its maiden gold at the university-level squash championship, which brought together student-athletes from 14 countries and regions from August 3–9. The triumph comes as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, with Chand also set to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games.
From Kalyan To National Stage
Born and based in Mumbai, Chand has steadily established himself among India’s leading squash players. He joined the Professional Squash Association (PSA) circuit in 2021 and is coached by Laxman Joshi. His association with the Jindal Squash Academy played an important role in his development, with JSW previously describing how his childhood dream of wearing the Indian jersey helped drive his progress. By 2024, Chand had risen to become one of India’s top-ranked players, and his performances have since earned him opportunities on the international stage.
Bronze Became A Turning Point
Chand’s breakthrough at the FISU championship came in 2024, when he won bronze in the men’s individual event in Johannesburg. At the time, he was 23 and had already won five PSA titles from nine finals. The medal gave him confidence ahead of his return to the competition in Mumbai.
Speaking before this year’s championship, Chand acknowledged both the advantage and pressure of playing at home. “Everyone is expecting gold from us and I am expecting that from myself,” he said, adding that his 2024 bronze had motivated him to aim for the top spot.
Mumbai Championship, Historic Gold
The 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash was hosted at Somaiya Vidyavihar University from August 3–9, with athletes from 14 countries and regions competing across five World Squash Federation-certified courts. India fielded a six-member contingent, including Chand, who represented the host university.
In the semi-final, Chand produced a remarkable comeback against France’s Joshua Jacques-Phinera, recovering from 0–2 down and saving two match points before winning the decider 12–10. He carried that resilience into the final against Takács, eventually winning 3–2 to claim the historic gold.
A Bigger Future For Squash
Chand’s victory also highlights the growing role of universities in creating pathways for Indian athletes to compete internationally. FISU Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund said the championship would play an important role in developing university sport in India and beyond.
Somaiya Chancellor Samir Somaiya described sport as a fundamental part of holistic education, while Vice Chancellor Prof Ajay Kapoor said the event reflected a commitment to “excellence, international collaboration and cultural exchange”. Chand’s own rise reflects that pathway, with his upcoming participation at the 2026 Asian Games adding another milestone to his career.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Suraj Kumar Chand’s journey from a bronze medal in 2024 to historic gold in 2026 is a powerful reminder that sporting success is rarely built overnight. It is shaped by access to facilities, committed coaches, institutional support and, above all, the ability to keep going after setbacks. His comeback in the semi-final and victory in the final show why resilience deserves as much recognition as the medal itself.
As squash moves towards its Olympic debut in 2028, Chand’s achievement can inspire more young Indians to see university sport not as a side pursuit, but as a genuine pathway to international excellence. Can India build more such pathways so that Chand’s historic gold becomes the beginning of a stronger future for university squash?
Read More: Param Pragya: PM Modi Unveils IIT Delhi’s AI Powerhouse As India Races To Build Compute Capacity
