Mumbai Hosts 14 Nations for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash

The championship features athletes from 14 nations, including Brazil, the People's Republic of China, Czechia, Spain, France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hong Kong China, Hungary, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, and the host nation, India. These competitors will vie for titles on World Squash Federation-certified courts, reflecting years of sustained investment in sporting infrastructure and athlete development. The event serves as a premier stage for university sport, supported by over 120 student volunteers from across India, including 70 from Mumbai, alongside thousands of students on campus.

For Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, the event holds personal significance. A squash player for over forty years, he has worked to make the sport accessible within a university setting rather than limiting it to private clubs. This conviction led to the development of the Somaiya Sports Academy, Eklavya, ensuring sporting opportunities for all students. During the ceremony, the Chancellor recalled a promise made to his grandfather to build a university of international standards, noting that hosting the FISU championship is a fulfillment of that legacy. He emphasized that sport teaches resilience, leadership, and the ability to grow through both victory and defeat.

The championship arrives as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, highlighting the critical role universities play in nurturing talent and providing international pathways for student-athletes. Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak, President of the Association of Indian Universities, addressed the delegates, stating that sport remains one of the greatest classrooms for character building. He drew parallels to the story of Eklavya, describing education as a journey where determination overcomes privilege and reaffirmed the university’s role in shaping responsible global citizens.

Representing FISU, Executive Committee Senior Member Martin Dalton acknowledged the partnership between Somaiya Vidyavihar University and the Association of Indian Universities. He commended the organizing committee’s efforts under the slogan "Smashing Barriers, Uniting Nations" and encouraged athletes to engage with India’s cultural heritage. Declaring the championship open, Shri Venugopal Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra, invoked the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, suggesting the world is one family. He expressed confidence that the tournament would build lasting international friendships.

The opening ceremony featured a sand art performance by Nitish Bharati, depicting India’s traditions and the university’s journey, followed by a cultural production titled The Golden Bird – A Journey Across Cultures. In a moment of recognition, Samir Somaiya invited Aazaz Khan, Director of Somaiya Sports Academy, to the stage to acknowledge the collective effort of the organizing team, coaches, and staff. The university also recognized its partners, including One8 as the Official India Jersey Partner and Taj The Trees, Mumbai, as the hospitality partner for the visiting delegations.

As competition begins, the event is being broadcast globally across FISU TV, SquashTV, Prasar Bharati, Waves OTT, and India Squash TV. The 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash stands as a testament to the university's commitment to excellence and its growing role as a destination for international sporting events. Beyond the final matches and medals, the championship reinforces the belief that a shared institutional vision can create transformative opportunities for future generations of athletes and scholars alike.