Mumbai's Suraj Chand To Represent India At 2026 Asian Games

Mumbai's Suraj Chand, ranked World No. 126 in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings, has been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

He will compete in the Mixed Doubles Squash event after securing his place through the national selection trials held in Chennai. Suraj, a student at the Dr Shantilal K. Somaiya School of Commerce and Business Studies at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, has established himself as one of India's premier squash players.

Suraj recently represented India at the Asian Mixed Doubles Squash Championship in Malaysia, where he and his partner, Rahul Bhatia, delivered a commendable performance, reaching the quarter-finals. This achievement further solidified Suraj's qualifications for the upcoming Asian Games.

Earlier this year, Suraj emerged victorious at the HCL PSA Indian Tour in Chennai, winning the title without conceding a single game. This marked his fourth PSA Challenger Tour title. He was also part of the first Indian team to win bronze at the 2024 FISU World University Squash Championship and has consistently represented India in significant international competitions.

Suraj expressed his sentiments, stating that it is a moment of immense pride and a significant milestone in his career to represent India at the Asian Games. He extended his gratitude to his coaches, the Somaiya Sports Academy, and everyone who has supported him throughout this journey.

Suraj has trained at Somaiya Sports Academy for the past four years, benefiting from professional coaching, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, and structured competition planning. His selection also highlights the depth of the University's squash programme. Three student-athletes from Somaiya Sports Academy earned invitations to the national selection trials.

Azaaz Khan, Director, Somaiya Sports Academy, said that selections like these are earned over years of disciplined training, perseverance, and continuous improvement. He added that their role is to create an environment where talented athletes have access to the coaching, facilities, and performance support they need to compete at the highest level.

Suraj's achievement is well deserved and reflects the culture they are building at Somaiya Sports Academy. As Suraj prepares to compete at the Asian Games, his selection serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

The 2026 Asian Games will provide a platform for Suraj to showcase his skills and represent India on the international stage. With his experience and training, he is poised to make a significant impact at the Games.

In conclusion, Suraj Chand's selection to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games is a significant achievement for the young squash player. His dedication and perseverance have paid off, and he is now ready to take on the best players in Asia. As he prepares to compete at the Games, Mumbai and India will be cheering him on, hoping for a successful outing.

This achievement also highlights the growing importance of squash in India, with players like Suraj Chand making a name for themselves on the international stage. The sport has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the selection of Suraj for the Asian Games will only add to its growth.

The 2026 Asian Games will be a significant event for Indian sports, with athletes from various disciplines competing for medals. Suraj Chand's participation in the Games will be closely watched, and his performance will be a testament to the country's growing prowess in squash.

As the Games approach, Suraj will be focusing on his training and preparation, ensuring that he is in the best shape possible to compete against the top players in Asia. With his skills and experience, he has a good chance of making a significant impact at the Games and bringing glory to India.

In the end, Suraj Chand's selection to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games is a proud moment for Mumbai and India. His achievement serves as an inspiration to young athletes, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals and make a name for themselves on the international stage.