Messages
President, International University Sports Federation (FISU)
Leonz Eder
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
President, Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak
It gives me immense pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all participating student-athletes, officials, delegates, coaches, technical experts, volunteers, and distinguished guests from across the world to the FISU World University Squash Championship 2026, being organized by the Association of Indian Universities from 3rd to 9th August 2026 and graciously hosted by Somaiya Vidyavihar University in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India.
The FISU World University Championships represent far more than sporting excellence. They embody the true spirit of university sports — bringing together youth from diverse cultures, nations, and backgrounds through friendship, mutual respect, fair play, and academic excellence. India has always believed in the timeless philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — The World is One Family. It is in this spirit that we welcome the global university sports fraternity to our country. The championship will provide an exceptional platform for talented student-athletes to compete at the highest level while fostering intercultural dialogue, lifelong friendships, and shared experiences beyond the boundaries of competition. We are confident that this championship will witness remarkable performances, inspiring sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments that will further strengthen the international university sports.
I express my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, for the continuous encouragement and invaluable support extended towards the advancement of university sports and the development of sporting infrastructure and opportunities for young athletes. The Ministry’s proactive initiatives and steadfast commitment have greatly contributed to nurturing sporting talent and creating an ecosystem where student-athletes can thrive both academically and competitively at the international level. I also express my sincere appreciation to FISU, the organizing committees, officials, volunteers, and all stakeholders whose dedicated efforts are making this prestigious championship possible. My special compliments to Somaiya Vidyavihar University for hosting this important international event with great commitment and enthusiasm. I once again extend my warmest greetings to all participants and wish everyone a successful, memorable, and inspiring championship.
Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak
President, Association of Indian Universities
Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal
It is a matter of immense pride and happiness for the Association of Indian Universities to organize the FISU World University Squash Championship 2026 from 3rd to 9th August 2026 in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. I extend my warm greetings and heartfelt welcome to all participating student-athletes, team officials, delegates, technical experts, and guests from across the globe who are coming together for this prestigious international sporting event. University sports play a transformative role in shaping leadership, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and global understanding among youth.
The FISU World University Championships stand as a shining example of how sport can unite nations, inspire excellence, and promote peace and friendship beyond geographical boundaries. India’s ancient wisdom beautifully reflects this spirit through the Sanskrit verse- “संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं सं वो मन ं सस ज नत म्” (Let us move together, speak together, and let our minds be united.). This championship truly embodies these timeless values by bringing together talented young minds from different cultures and nations onto one common platform of sportsmanship and harmony.
The Association of Indian Universities, under its progressive leadership, has consistently worked towards strengthening university sports and promoting holistic development within higher education institutions. With a distinguished network of more than 1200 member universities, including 20 international universities, AIU continues to play a pioneering role in nurturing sporting talent and creating opportunities for student-athletes to excel globally. We firmly believe that sports complement academic excellence and contribute significantly towards character building, nation-building, and the development of responsible global citizens. 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. Such invaluable guidance and support continue to inspire institutions and athletes alike to strive for excellence.
I wish all participants great success and hope the championship becomes a celebration of excellence, unity, and the indomitable spirit of youth.
Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal
Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities
Joint Secretary (Sports), Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Prof. (Dr.) Sinku Kumar Singh
It gives me great pleasure to welcome the global university sports fraternity to the FISU World University Squash Championship 2026, being organized by the Association of Indian Universities from 3rd to 9th August 2026 and hosted by Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. This prestigious championship is not merely a sporting event; it is a celebration of youth, excellence, cultural diversity, and international friendship. The coming together of talented student-athletes from different nations reflects the true essence of university sports and the vision of FISU in promoting education through sport.
The Association of Indian Universities, established in 1925, has been playing a pioneering role in promoting higher education and university sports in India. With a distinguished network of more than 1200 member universities, including 20 international institutions, AIU has consistently nurtured sporting talent through Inter-University tournaments, national championships, coaching camps, selection trials, and international participation programmes, thereby providing student-athletes with a structured platform to pursue excellence in sports alongside academics. Over the decades, several university athletes nurtured through the AIU sports system have brought great pride to the nation by winning medals and laurels at prestigious international events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. AIU’s continued efforts have also reflected in India’s remarkable performances at the FISU World University Games 2023 and FISU World University Games 2025, where Indian university athletes secured 26 medals, including 11 Gold, 5 Silver, and 10 Bronze medals in 2023, followed by 12 medals comprising 2 Gold, 5 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals in 2025. These achievements reflect the growing strength of university sports in India and AIU’s unwavering commitment towards developing world-class student-athletes and promoting excellence, sportsmanship, and intercultural understanding among nations.
I express my sincere gratitude to FISU, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, organizing committees, technical officials, volunteers, and all supporting agencies for their dedicated efforts in organizing this important global event. Mumbai, a city known for its dynamic spirit and warm hospitality, will surely leave lasting memories for all participants and visitors. Beyond the competition courts, I hope every delegate experiences the rich culture, heritage, and friendship that India offers. I extend my best wishes to all athletes for excellent performances and to all delegates for a successful and memorable championship. May this championship strengthen the bonds of global unity and inspire the youth to pursue excellence in every sphere of life.
Prof. (Dr.) Sinku Kumar Singh
Joint Secretary (Sports), Association of Indian Universities
Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU)
Samir Somaiya
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
President, Organising Committee
Aazaz Khan
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)