My hard work paid off at the 2026 Asian Games: Suraj Kumar Chand

Written By: Harsh KashivSquash sensation Suraj Kumar Chand, who made India proud by winning a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games, recently visited Ahmedabad for an event. Earlier this year, Chand scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win gold at the FISU World University Championship Squash. A video of him taking off his shirt in celebration after winning a thrilling final also went viral on Instagram. In a chat with us, the young athlete talks about his journey, future goals, and more.‘I have it in me to win more medals for India'Recalling his Asian Games experience, Chand says, “Winning an Asian Games medal was a long-term dream, and I really worked hard for it. The last two years were really tough, but after winning the medal, I felt that all the hard work paid off. After the Asian Games, I feel even more motivated. I believe I have it in me to win more medals for India, perhaps silver or gold next time.”With several tournaments lined up, Suraj is already back to training. He adds, “Hopefully, I can make it to the Olympics or win a gold medal at the Asian or Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games will be held in Ahmedabad in 2030, and I hope to win a medal there.”‘Qualifying for the Olympics will be a big deal’With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympics, Chand says, “The qualification criteria are very difficult. You have to maintain your ranking and be among the top 20 or top 16 players in the world. I still have a year or more, and there might also be a qualifying event starting in 2027. I am training for that and will try my best to make it. If I get into the Olympics, that will be a big deal for me."Talking about the 2030 Commonwealth Games, he adds, “Squash has been part of the Commonwealth Games for a long time, and it is a very important sport for India. We have won medals in squash. This time, with the CWG happening in Ahmedabad, more people will be able to watch us and there will be greater home support. I think we can win more medals. Hopefully, I will be part of the team and win a medal for India."'More people in India know about squash now'Chand believes squash still has considerable ground to cover in India. “There is still a big gap between squash and cricket in India. But since squash has been included in the Olympics, more people know about the game now. Anahat Singh won the World Junior Championships this year, and I won the World University Championship, becoming the first Indian to do so. After these two big wins, more people in India know about squash and are supporting it. More viewership means more support,” he says.He adds, “I think the game will improve in India. More people will start playing and more will participate at the grassroots level. We need to develop the game in schools and colleges. For instance, Egypt has the game at every level, with more than 200 players in every category. Right now, India is nowhere close to them, but we are getting there. That is a good sign, and I look forward to seeing us develop good players like Egypt."‘Gujarat's sports infrastructure is really good’Chand, who has visited Gujarat a couple of times for tournaments, feels, "If you compare the infrastructure with what we had five years ago, it is really good now. The setup here during the National Games was very good. Gujarat has excellent infrastructure and can host big tournaments. I can see squash becoming a big thing in Gujarat over the next two to three years."He has also observed a shift in the ambitions of young players. “When I was a junior, very few children wanted to play professionally or enter the professional circuit. Now, under-17 and under-19 players are entering the professional squash circuit and competing in PSA (Professional Squash Association) tournaments. That is a big difference,” he says.‘I watch Bhaag Milkha Bhaag for motivation’Away from the court, Chand keeps his routine simple. Despite the demands of training, travelling and competing on the international circuit, he prefers spending his free time with his family. He says, “Whenever I need some motivation, I watch Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. It is my favourite movie. I can watch it a thousand times. I follow Virat Kohli a lot. His discipline, both on and off the field, has motivated me a lot."Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.