Suraj Kumar Chand Creates History as India's First-Ever FISU World University Squash Champion

Indian squash celebrated another landmark moment as Suraj Kumar Chand etched his name into the history books by becoming the country's first-ever FISU World University Squash Champion. 

Competing on home soil in Mumbai, the 25-year-old defeated Hungary's Benedek Takacs in a thrilling five-game final to clinch the gold medal and deliver a breakthrough moment for Indian university sport. The victory marks India's first-ever gold medal in the history of the FISU World University Squash Championships and adds another milestone to the country's growing success on the international squash circuit.

For Suraj, however, the triumph was much more than a title. It was the culmination of years of perseverance, resilience and steady progression, transforming the disappointment of a bronze medal finish in 2024 into the ultimate prize two years later.

Facing Hungary's Benedek Takacs in the championship match, Suraj knew the significance of the occasion. The contest lived up to expectations as both players produced high-quality squash in a fiercely contested five-game battle. Momentum shifted throughout the match, with neither player willing to surrender control.

Suraj eventually emerged victorious 3-2, holding his nerve in the decisive moments to seal one of the biggest victories of his career.

As the winning point was secured, history was made. No Indian had previously won the men's singles title at the FISU World University Squash Championships, making Suraj's achievement a defining moment not only for his own career but also for Indian squash.

Winning the title in front of home supporters made the achievement even more memorable.

From Bronze to Gold

Suraj's victory becomes even more remarkable when viewed in the context of his journey over the past two years. At the 2024 edition of the championships, he finished with a bronze medal after falling short of reaching the final. Rather than allowing that disappointment to define him, the Mumbai player used it as motivation to improve every aspect of his game.

The result was evident throughout the 2026 tournament. His movement around the court, tactical awareness and ability to remain composed during pressure situations reflected the maturity that had developed since his previous appearance.

The transformation from bronze medallist to world champion highlights the value of persistence and continuous improvement.

Before lifting the trophy, Suraj had already produced one of the tournament's most remarkable performances. In the semifinal, he found himself on the verge of elimination against France's Joshua Jacques. After losing the opening two games, Suraj trailed 0-2 and stood just one game away from seeing his campaign come to an end.

Many players would have struggled to recover from such a position. Instead, Suraj refused to panic. Rather than focusing on the scoreboard, he concentrated on winning one point at a time.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/suraj-kumar-chand-stages-stunning-comeback-to-reach-fisu-world-university-squash-championships-final

Slowly, the momentum began to shift. He claimed the third game to stay alive before levelling the match at 2-2. With confidence growing and the pressure transferring to his opponent, Suraj completed a remarkable comeback by winning the deciding game and securing a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The comeback not only booked his place in the final but also demonstrated the mental strength that would prove decisive again in the championship match.

Unlike many high-profile sporting stars, Suraj's journey has unfolded away from the spotlight. Without widespread media attention or large commercial backing, he has quietly continued working towards his goals, gradually establishing himself as one of India's leading university squash players.

His latest achievement serves as a reminder that many of India's sporting success stories are built through years of disciplined training, sacrifice and perseverance rather than overnight breakthroughs. At 25 years of age, Suraj has now added his name to an elite list of Indian squash players who have delivered historic international achievements.

His victory also comes at an important stage of his career, with the Asian Games approaching and opportunities to represent India on even bigger stages now within reach.

Indian squash has enjoyed considerable success over the past decade, producing world-class players across both the men's and women's circuits. Suraj Kumar Chand's historic gold medal further strengthens that legacy by opening a new chapter in university-level competition. Success at events such as the FISU World University Championships also highlights the growing depth within Indian squash, demonstrating that the next generation is capable of competing against the world's best.

Winning on home soil adds additional significance, showcasing India's ability not only to host major international competitions but also to produce champions on those stages.

Suraj's triumph is ultimately about much more than becoming a world champion. His tournament encapsulated two of sport's most important qualities—belief and resilience.

From overturning a two-game deficit in the semifinals to handling the pressure of a five-game final, every step of his journey reflected an athlete unwilling to surrender regardless of the circumstances. Those performances transformed what could have been another respectable campaign into a historic achievement.

By becoming India's first-ever FISU World University Squash Champion, Suraj Kumar Chand has not only secured the biggest title of his career but also created a milestone that will inspire future generations of Indian squash players. His journey from bronze medallist in 2024 to world champion in 2026 stands as a testament to the rewards of patience, determination and relentless hard work, ensuring his name will forever hold a special place in the history of Indian squash.