Suraj Kumar Chand created a major milestone for Indian squash on August 6, 2026, by winning the country’s first-ever gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championships. He defeated Hungary’s Benedek Takács in a closely fought five-game men’s singles final at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai.

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The Indian player showed strong control and determination during the final. After losing the opening game, he recovered quickly and changed the direction of the match. Chand eventually won 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 11-4 to secure the historic gold medal.

The victory is particularly significant because Chand had already won a bronze medal at the previous edition of the championship in Johannesburg. His latest performance has now taken him from a podium finish to the top position at one of the major international university sports competitions.

A dramatic five-game final

The men’s final between Suraj Kumar Chand and Benedek Takács was one of the most closely contested matches of the championship. Takács started strongly and took the first game 11-5.

Chand, however, did not allow the early setback to affect his performance. He adjusted his game and won the second game 11-8. He then continued his momentum to take the third game 11-5.

The Hungarian player responded in the fourth game, winning 11-6 and taking the contest into a deciding fifth game. With the gold medal at stake, Chand produced his strongest performance of the match.

He controlled the fifth game and won it 11-4, completing a 3-2 victory. The result made him the first Indian men’s player to win gold at the FISU World University Squash Championships.

Chand’s journey to the final

Suraj Kumar Chand had a strong campaign from the opening round. He began his tournament with a straight-games victory over Czechia’s Simon Rynt, winning 11-8, 11-4, 11-4.

In the quarter-final, Chand faced France’s Matteo Carrouget. The Indian player won the match 11-6, 5-11, 11-7, 11-6. The result placed him in the semi-final and brought him closer to a possible historic medal.

The semi-final was even more challenging. Chand faced another French opponent, Joshua Jacques-Phinera. He lost the first two games but produced an impressive comeback.

After trailing 9-11 and 10-12, Chand won the next three games 11-5, 11-2 and 12-10. His five-game victory secured his place in the final.

India misses an all-Indian final

India had a chance to produce an all-Indian men’s singles final, but that possibility ended in the semi-final.

Om Semwal faced Benedek Takács in the other semi-final. Takács defeated the Indian player 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 and advanced to the final against Chand.

Another Indian player, Sandhesh Palanivel Ravikumar, finished seventh in the men’s competition. He did not play the seventh-place match after Spain’s Hugo Lafuente Jaén withdrew.

India’s strong presence in the men’s draw highlighted the country’s growing strength in university-level squash.

Marta Domínguez wins women’s gold

Spain’s Marta Domínguez won the women’s singles gold medal at the 2026 championship. She defeated Hong Kong China’s Ching Hei Fung in the final.

Domínguez produced a convincing performance, winning 11-3, 11-7, 11-7 to claim the women’s title.

India’s Pooja Arthi was the country’s best-performing women’s player. She defeated compatriot Shameena Riaz 11-9, 12-10 to finish ninth.

Nirupama Dubey finished 11th after defeating Czechia’s Tereza Široká 11-2, 11-3.

The women’s results gave the championship a strong international character, with players from different countries competing across the individual events.

Mumbai hosts international university squash

The FISU World University Squash Championships 2026 are being held at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai. The event has brought together squash players representing 14 countries and regions.

The championship is organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the international body responsible for university sports competitions.

Hosting the event in Mumbai has provided Indian players with the opportunity to compete on home soil against international opponents. It has also brought international attention to India’s university sports infrastructure and its growing interest in squash.

The tournament includes individual and team competitions, giving participating athletes several opportunities to compete at the international level.

Chand adds to India’s squash success

Suraj Kumar Chand’s victory comes at an important time for Indian squash. The country has produced several internationally successful players and continues to develop young talent through domestic and international competitions.

His gold medal is also notable because of his previous performance at the same championship. Winning bronze in Johannesburg showed his ability to compete at the university level. The 2026 edition gave him an opportunity to go one step further, and he converted that opportunity into gold.

His performance also demonstrates the importance of staying composed during long matches. His semi-final comeback and final victory both required him to recover after losing games.

Asian Games 2026 connection

Chand’s success also comes ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, where he has been selected as part of India’s squash squad. The Asian Games will provide another major international platform for him later this year.

His performance in Mumbai could give him valuable confidence before the continental competition. Competing against players from different countries at the FISU championships also provides experience that can be useful in larger international events.

For Indian squash, having players such as Chand competing successfully at international university and senior-level competitions can strengthen the country’s depth ahead of major multi-sport events.

What the FISU championship means for young athletes

University-level international competitions provide young athletes with an important bridge between junior competitions and senior professional sport. Players can compete against strong opponents while continuing their education.

The FISU World University Squash Championships offer this opportunity to athletes from different countries and regions. The 2026 event in Mumbai has also allowed Indian players to gain experience against international competition without travelling outside the country.

Chand’s achievement shows how university sport can contribute to the development of athletes who are preparing for larger international competitions.

India’s historic gold in Mumbai

The victory of Suraj Kumar Chand has added a new chapter to India’s participation in the FISU World University Squash Championships. His 3-2 win over Benedek Takács, following a comeback in the semi-final, made the achievement even more notable.

From his opening-round victory over Simon Rynt to his difficult matches against French opponents and finally the five-game final, Chand remained competitive throughout the tournament.

His historic gold in Mumbai, combined with his earlier bronze medal in Johannesburg and his place in India’s Asian Games 2026 squad, makes 2026 an important year in his squash career.