Somaiya Vidyavihar University, as host, will sponsor India’s six-member squash contingent, which will be represented by three of its own students.
India will host the 2026 FISU World University Squash Championship at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, in August, bringing together student-athletes from 14 nations for a week-long international competition.
The competition, organised by the Association of Indian (AIU) under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), comes at an important moment for squash as it prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The championship also highlights India’s rising status in university sports, following its record 26 medal haul in the 2023 FISU World University Games in Chengdu. Somaiya Vidyavihar University, as host, will sponsor India’s six-member squash contingent, which will be represented by three of its own students, Suraj Chand, Om Semwal, and Nirupama Dubey.
The event’s hosting represents the pinnacle of Vidyavihar University’s sustained investment in sports facilities. In addition to hosting the All India National Inter-institution Squash Tournament four times, the institution has built World Squash Federation (WSF)-certified courts and acts as the training ground for India’s national university squash squad.
While the championship will bring together elite athletes from all around the world, it also represents India’s expanding monetisation of university sports. Hosting a FISU event enables Somaiya Vidyavihar University to capitalise on years of investment in sports infrastructure, attract brand partners like One8, strengthen India’s university sports ecosystem, and establish itself as a key stakeholder in the country’s grassroots-to-elite athlete development pathway.
Dr (Mrs) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, said, “The Association of Indian Universities is proud to support Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, as it hosts the FISU World University Squash Championship 2026 with the International University Sports Federation (FISU). This landmark championship reflects India’s growing stature in international university sports and stands as a testimony to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of the Government of India towards youth empowerment and sporting excellence. I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, for the continued encouragement and support extended towards the development of university sports and the promotion of young sporting talent at national and international levels. I wish all participants great success and hope the championship becomes a celebration of excellence, unity, and the indomitable spirit of youth.”
Matthias Remund, FISU Secretary General and CEO, said, “We are very pleased that FISU World University Championship Squash is returning to India. I am confident that the Association of Indian Universities and Somaiya Vidyavihar University will organise an attractive, unique and unforgettable event that will play an important role in the development of the university sports movement in India and beyond.”
Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “Ever since my student days playing squash at Cornell, I have believed that world-class sporting infrastructure should be an integral part of the university ecosystem. Hosting the FISU World University Championship in Mumbai is a significant milestone in realising that vision. At Somaiya, we regard sports as a fundamental pillar of holistic education and are committed to creating an ecosystem that nurtures excellence both on and off the field. Our efforts extend beyond developing world-class facilities on campus to building sustainable pathways that identify, nurture, and empower young sporting talent, from our university courts to rural communities across the country.”
Prof Ajay Kapoor, Vice Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “We are honoured that the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) have entrusted Somaiya Vidyavihar University with organising and hosting the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash. This championship is the result of our shared commitment to advance university sport as a platform for excellence, international collaboration and cultural exchange. We look forward to welcoming student-athletes, officials and delegates from around the world to Mumbai and delivering an experience that reflects the spirit and values of university sport.”
Aazaz Khan, Director, Somaiya Sports Academy, said, “Bringing this championship to our courts is the result of years of disciplined preparation. Our players have trained against international-standard competition, our coaches have built systems that produce results, and our facilities meet the benchmark this event demands. That readiness is what August will put on display.”
24 Jul
