Mumbai, 06 August, 2026: A packed arena erupted in celebration as the singles competition at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash concluded in spectacular fashion, with India’s Suraj Kumar Chand and Spain’s Marta Domínguez Fernández emerging as the men’s and women’s singles champions respectively.
Every rally, every point and every comeback was met with thunderous applause as spectators witnessed four days of world-class university squash. The loudest cheers came as Suraj Kumar Chand, representing both India and Somaiya Vidyavihar University, held his nerve in a gripping five-game final to clinch the men’s singles gold medal on home soil, while Marta Domínguez Fernández showcased exceptional composure and attacking brilliance to secure Spain’s women’s singles title
The men’s final delivered everything a championship match promised. Suraj faced Hungary’s Benedek Takács in an absorbing contest that swung from one player to the other, with both finalists locked at two games apiece after four fiercely contested games. With the home crowd firmly behind him, Suraj produced his best squash of the match in the decider, racing to an 11-4 victory to seal a 3-2 triumph, sparking jubilant celebrations across the venue.
The victory is a significant milestone for Indian university squash and a proud moment for Somaiya Vidyavihar University, whose own student stood atop the world podium in front of a home audience. Takács claimed the silver medal, earning Hungary’s first international squash medal in two decades and the first international medal of his career.
In the women’s final, Spain’s Marta Domínguez Fernández produced a composed and clinical display to defeat Hong Kong China’s Ching Hei Fung 3-0, adding the women’s singles gold medal to Spain’s growing success in international university squash. The victory carried added emotional significance as Marta celebrated her championship title on her father’s birthday.
Suraj reached the final after staging a remarkable comeback victory over France’s Joshua Jacques-Phinera in the semi-finals, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Marta, meanwhile, maintained her impressive form across the championship, culminating in a dominant performance in the title clash.
Commenting on the achievement, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Samir Somaiya, said:
“We often say that our goal is simply to be the best that we can be. Suraj’s performance throughout this championship embodied that belief and showcased it to the world. His determination under pressure, especially in the final, is something the entire Somaiya community is proud of. We congratulate both Suraj and Marta on their outstanding achievements.”
Reflecting on his victory, Suraj Kumar Chand 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 conclusion of the singles competition marks another successful chapter in the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash, which has welcomed student-athletes from 14 nations for four days of elite competition.
Hosted by Somaiya Vidyavihar University in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and supported by the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), the championship has highlighted the rising standard of university squash while providing student-athletes from around the world with an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
As medals were presented and the champions celebrated on court, the conclusion of the singles competition stood as a celebration of sporting excellence, international friendship and the growing strength of university squash worldwide.
The FISU World University Championship Squash 2026, hosted from 3–9 August 2026, has brought together some of the world’s finest university squash players. It reflects Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s commitment to promoting sports and providing emerging student-athletes with opportunities to compete on the global stage. Competition resumes with the men’s and women’s semi-finals at Glass Show Court in front of the Eklavya Sports Complex on the Somaiya Vidyavihar University campus.
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