Suraj Kumar Chand wins India’s first FISU World University Squash title

Suraj Kumar Chand beat Hungary’s Benedek Takacs 3-2 in the men’s singles final at the 2026 FISU World University Squash Championship in India, claiming the country’s first-ever title at the event after taking the deciding game 11-4.

Spain’s Marta Dominguez Fernandez won the women’s singles crown, defeating Hong Kong’s Ching Hei Fung 3-0, while the championship featured student-athletes from 14 countries across four days and was jointly organised by Somaiya Vidyavihar University, the Association of Indian Universities and the Squash Rackets Federation of India.

The men’s final went the distance as both players exchanged games before Suraj raised his level in the decider in front of a supportive home crowd, securing victory and prompting celebrations at the venue.

Suraj reached the final by beating France’s Joshua Jacques-Phinera in the semifinals, while Marta’s tournament-long consistency carried her through to a straight-games win in the final.

Benedek Takacs took the silver medal in the men’s event, and his performance helped Hungary claim its first international squash medal in 20 years.

Reflecting on the win, Suraj said: “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.”

The men’s singles title is India’s maiden trophy at the FISU World University Squash Championship, representing the nation’s first-ever championship victory across both the men’s and women’s divisions.