23 July,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Karan Shankar
Suraj Chand at the Somaiya Vidyavihar University squash court
Mumbai-based squash player Suraj Chand, who has been selected in the Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Games (September 19 to October 4) at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and will play in the mixed doubles category, has said that it's a dream-come-true opportunity and insists nothing less than a medal will do.
"It's always been my dream to wear the Indian jersey. Representing India at the Asian Games is a huge honour. It's a proud moment for me, but I also know that it's never easy wearing an Indian jersey, so I can't go and just participate in Japan. I have to win a medal, and that's my prime focus," Chand, 25, a student at Somaiya Vidyavihar University [SVU], who also trains at their facility, told mid-day recently.
Chand, who stays in Vasind, was selected following trials in Chennai and will partner Shameena Riaz.
At the previous Asian Games at Hangzhou, China, in 2023, the Indian squash team won five medals - two gold, one silver and one bronze.
Chand, who is ranked fifth in India and 126th in the world, explained the kind of sacrifices he has made to improve his game over the last few years. "I've been extremely disciplined, consistent, and spent countless hours on court, maintaining my fitness to play against top players, and performing at national and international competitions. When I'm off court, I have a strict diet because it's very important for your body to recover so that you can train with the same intensity. But I'm glad because all the hard work and sacrifices that I've put in across the last few years is paying off," he added.
Ahead of the Asian Games, Chand is looking forward to doing well at the FISU World University Squash Championship to be held at his university in August. "SVU has played a vital role in my journey since 2018. They have great squash courts and fine coaches. I think winning a medal at the FISU event will be good preparation for the Asian Games," Chand signed off.
