2026 FISU World University Championship Squash

President’s Welcome Message

Dear student-athletes, dear friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Mumbai, for the 2026 FISU World University Championship in Squash.

I would like to address you first, dear student-athletes, who are and who always be the beating heart of FISU. 

Competing at the World University Championships is a career highlight for many of you. For others, it is a step up to the next level of performance. What you all have in common is your love of sport, your commitment, your fair play and your respect. You come together as rivals, from different places and different backgrounds, but you will almost certainly leave as friends.

Despite the challenging times we are all facing, you remind us of the special power of young people to reassure us that a better world is possible. You remind us of the need to prioritise sport, sustainability, inclusivity and healthy social exchange. FISU firmly believes that university athletes are the role models and future leaders the world needs.

Over the following 7 days, you will compete alongside some of the best student-athletes on the planet. The FISU World University Championships demand skill, athleticism, and single-minded determination to do your best. But beyond the competition, FISU urges you to have fun. May you return home with memories that will last a lifetime!

None of FISU’s events would be possible without the generosity of our hosts. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the National University Sports Federation of India, the organisers for their dedication and the volunteers for their passion.

FISU is also grateful for the ongoing support of the International Sports Federations. Together, we aim to provide the highest level of technical excellence on and off the field of play.

I am confident that the 2026 FISU World University Championship in Squash in Mumbai will give you every opportunity to shine, to interact and to grow as people.

I wish you the best of luck!

Leonz Eder
FISU President

OC President

Dear Student-Athletes, Delegates, Officials, and Esteemed Guests,

On behalf of the Organising Committee, the entire community of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and the vibrant city of Mumbai, it is with immense pride and great enthusiasm that I extend a truly heartfelt welcome to the FISU World University Championship Squash 2026!

We are honoured that the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has entrusted us with the privilege of hosting this prestigious competition from August 3rd to August 10th, 2026. This event is a magnificent showcase of the dual career of university sport where academic dedication meets athletic excellence, a principle deeply embedded in the ethos of Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

To the dedicated student-athletes: You are the finest ambassadors of your nations and your universities. Your presence here highlights not only your outstanding skill and dedication to the dynamic sport of Squash but also your commitment to achieving peak performance both on the court and in the classroom.

We are committed to ensuring your entire experience in Mumbai is exceptional, both on and off the court. We are proud to announce that our distinguished guests and athletes will be accommodated at one of the world’s finest destinations: Taj, The Tree Hotel, Mumbai, ensuring maximum comfort and world-class hospitality throughout the championship.

The Championship is set against the backdrop of Mumbai, India’s dynamic financial, entertainment, and cultural capital. We encourage you to immerse yourselves in the legendary hospitality of India and the unique energy of this ‘City of Dreams.’ While we assure you of a world-class venue and competition environment at our university, we invite you to explore the rich history, diverse cuisine, and cultural tapestry that surrounds us.

I express my deepest gratitude to FISU, all the participating national federations, and especially the hundreds of passionate volunteers from Somaiya Vidyavihar University, whose tireless efforts will ensure the seamless execution of this event. May the FISU World University Championship Squash 2026 be a celebration of excellence, friendship, and fair play. We look forward to witnessing unforgettable performances and creating lasting memories together.

Welcome to Mumbai. We are delighted to have you here!

Aazaz Khan
Head of the Organising Committee (OC)

Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Dear friends, The 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash will be hosted at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, in August 2026.

This is a proud and historic moment for all of us. My sincere thanks to Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, AIU, and Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU, for their invaluable support in helping bring this championship to India and to Somaiya.

For me, this announcement holds special personal meaning. Having played squash for Cornell University in the 1980s, I have long dreamt of building world-class sporting infrastructure and opportunities for young athletes here in India, especially at Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

To witness this dream come to life through an event of such global stature is truly heartening. We look forward to welcoming universities from across the world and showcasing the excellence, spirit, and hospitality of Somaiya and of India.

Warm regards,

Samir Somaiya
Chairman of Somaiya Group and Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University