Suraj Kumar Chand has emerged as one of Indian squash’s most consistent performers over the past year and is set to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games.

The 25-year-old Mumbaikar scripted history on Thursday by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championship. Competing on home soil in Mumbai, he defeated Hungary’s Benedek Takacs 3-2 (5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 11-4) in the men’s singles final to achieve the historic feat.

Early years

Suraj Kumar Chand started playing squash at the age of 11 under coach Lakshman Joshi at the Jindal Squash Academy.

His father has been associated with the JSW Group for nearly three decades, making his introduction to the sport a natural one. During his school days, he competed in several inter-school tournaments and won gold at the National School Games Squash Championship.

What started as a hobby gradually turned into a professional career. Representing India at the Asian Championships gave him both pride and responsibility, motivating him to push himself further in the sport.

Today, Suraj is ranked fifth in India and has climbed to World No. 124 in the PSA rankings.

He also represented India at the 2024 World University Championships in South Africa, where he won bronze in the men’s singles event and another bronze in the team competition.

Major tournaments and achievements

* World University Championships, Johannesburg (2024): Won bronze in the men’s singles event and team bronze for India.

* Asian Mixed Doubles Squash Championship, Malaysia: Reached the quarter-finals alongside Rahul Bhatia.

* HCL PSA Indian Tour, Chennai (February 2026): Reached the semi-finals.

* HCL PSA Indian Tour, Chennai (April 2026): Won the title without dropping a single game, defeating South Korea’s Jeongmin Ryu 11-5, 11-9, 11-3 in the final. It was his fourth PSA Tour title from five career finals.

* HCL PSA Indian Tour, Chennai (July 2026): Reached the quarter-finals.

* FISU World University Squash Championship, Mumbai (August 2026): Became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the championship after defeating Hungary’s Benedek Takacs 3-2 in the final.

Road to the Asian Games

Suraj is set to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where he will compete in the men’s team and mixed doubles events after earning selection through the national trials in Chennai.

Heading into the Games as India’s fifth-ranked player and World No. 124, he is trying to establish himself as one of the country’s most consistent performer.

With confidence from his historic FISU World University Championship triumph, Suraj will be looking to carry his form into the Asian Games as India aims for another strong showing in squash.