The “red, white and blue” won both the men’s individual (with Baptiste Bouin) and team’s world titles during the Joburg 2024 FISU World University Championship Squash, despite a really strong delegation from Hong Kong. Spain’s Marta Fernandez claimed gold medal in the women’s individual tournament.
France emerged as the undisputed champions of the 2024 FISU World University Championship Squash, held in Johannesburg from 2 to 8 September. The French team showcased their dominance throughout the tournament.
The championship concluded with a thrilling team final between France and Hong Kong at the Wanderers Squash Club. Despite a strong effort from the Hong Kong team, which claimed medals in all events, France prevailed with a 2−1 victory, after winning 8−4 out of 12 games. Baptiste Bouin, Macéo Levy and Kara Lincou secured crucial wins for France, while Nga Ching Cheng and Yat Long Chung pup up a valiant fight for Hong Kong.
“Les Bleus” won gold medals in the men’s individual and the team events, with Spain also claiming a gold medal in the women’s individual competition thanks to the impressive Marta Fernandez. Hong Kong won two silver medals in the men’s and women’s individual events, and another silver medal in the teams event as well as three bronze medals.
The Joburg action
Speaking after the conclusion of the tournament, Hong Kong China’s team coach, Simon Yeng, said, “We have done well to get two silver medals in individuals and one team medals as well as three bronze medals. In the final we were under pressure, but I think my players did well. The tournament was well organised; the audience, the facilities, the audience, the atmosphere, the transportation, the livestream and the hospitality were perfect. So a big thank you to South Africa!” he said.
The FISU World University Championship Squash was a success, thanks to the organisation and hospitality provided by South Africa. The tournament showcased the world’s best young squash talent and fostered international camaraderie among student−athletes.
The Joburg podiums
The results
Men’s Individual tournament
1. Baptiste Bouin (France)
2. Wai Lok To (Hong Kong)
3. Yat Long Chung (Hong Kong) / Suraj Kumar Chand (India)
Women’s Individual tournament
1. Marta Fernandez (Spain)
2. Cheng Nga Ching (Hong Kong)
3/4. Ching Hei Fung (Hong Kong) / Yee Lam Toby Tse (Hong Kong)
Team’s tournament
1. France
2. Hong Kong
3. India / Czechia
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Ms. Marissa Langeni, CEO: University Sport South Africa, said, “We are thrilled to see the exceptional talent and sportsmanship displayed by all participating teams. The 2024 WUC Squash has been an incredible showcase of university squash globally, and we’re proud to have hosted this event in Johannesburg.”
Ms. Langeni added, “We are grateful to our partners Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, University of Johannesburg and Squash South Africa for their support and to FISU and World Squash for continuing to create remarkable opportunities for student-athletes.”
Thanks to all the participants and organisers for this memorable event. All the action from the Joburg 2024 FISU World University Championship Squash was streamed live on . You can find more information and pictures on the event’s . Click for the full individual results, and for the full team results.
Written by Thérèse Courvoisier, pictures and information courtesy of the organising committee
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