Vidyavihar student Suraj Chand selected for 2026 Asian Games squash squad

VIDYAVIHAR — Mumbai squash player Suraj Chand has been selected to represent India in the mixed doubles event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, university officials announced on July 15, 2026.

Chand, a student at Vidyavihar's Dr Shantilal K. Somaiya School of Commerce and Business Studies, secured his spot on the national team after competing in the selection trials held in Chennai.

Currently ranked as India’s No. 5 player and World No. 126 in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings, Chand has established himself as one of the country's leading squash athletes.

He recently reached the quarter-finals at the Asian Mixed Doubles Squash Championship in Malaysia alongside partner Rahul Bhatia. Earlier this year, Chand also won the HCL PSA Indian Tour in Chennai without dropping a single game, securing his fourth PSA Challenger Tour title.

Chand has trained at the Somaiya Sports Academy in Vidyavihar for the past four years. The academy sent three student-athletes to the national selection trials in Chennai, including Om Semwal and Nirupama Dubey.

"It is a moment of immense pride and a significant milestone in my career to represent India at the Asian Games," Chand said. "Reaching this point has required years of dedicated training, competition, and unwavering effort."

Azaaz Khan, Director of Somaiya Sports Academy, noted that Chand's selection was the result of disciplined training and structured support. Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, added that the university is proud to see Chand represent the country on the international stage.

The selection comes shortly before Somaiya Vidyavihar University hosts the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash. The international tournament is scheduled to take place at the university's Eklavya Sports Complex in Mumbai from August 3 to August 9, 2026.