The Arjun Gupta Foundation (AGF) will officially announce a historic $100,000 commitment to Squash Canada athletes at the Foundation’s 2025 Gala to be held Wednesday, October 22 at the Jonathon Power All-Glass Court in Brookfield Place, Toronto.
The contribution will support young Canadian squash community members in their pursuit of athletic and academic excellence. From 2025 to 2030, the AGF has pledged $20,000 annually to three important programs – international junior excellence, post-secondary education and starter grants for aspiring juniors beginning their journey.
Founded in 2023 and officially launched during the 2024 Canadian Women’s Open, the AGF was established to honour the memory of Arjun Gupta, a beloved son, brother, friend, and member of Canada’s squash community. Arjun was known for his loyalty, brilliance, generosity, and kind-hearted nature. Among his many passions was a genuine desire to help others, a cornerstone of the foundation. To learn more about the Arjun Gupta Foundation click here.
The funding will impact dozens of Squash Canada student athletes on a needs-basis and reduce barriers for squash community members to achieve their potential. The first application window for the Junior Development Bursary will open on November 1st, 2025, designed to support athletes selected to represent Canada at the U.S. and British Junior Opens’ this season.
“It’s deeply moving to see Arjun’s legacy carried forward through the passion and potential of these incredible young athletes,” said Amar Gupta, Arjun’s brother and one of the drivers behind the Arjun Gupta Foundation. “Our family is honoured to support their journeys and to continue building a culture of excellence and community in Canadian squash.”
“For those privileged to know the late Arjun Gupta, his impact on the Canadian squash community is tremendous. Arjun taught us that achieving excellence on the squash court and in the classroom is not mutually exclusive to being a great person, great teammate and great friend. Squash Canada thanks the Gupta Family and the Arjun Gupta Foundation for supporting the next generation of young squash players in achieving their goals and honouring Arjun’s legacy,” says Jamie Nicholls, Squash Canada CEO.
The Arjun Gupta Foundation will hold its annual Gala as part of the Canadian Women’s Open, Wednesday October 22nd at Brookfield Place. Tickets are available for squash community members to celebrate Arjun’s life and support this important cause. (Click Here for Tickets & More Information)
The foundation’s mission is to fulfil Arjun’s vision of creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed athletically, academically, and professionally. To achieve this, AGF provides philanthropic support for elite athletes in pursuit of international excellence, for facilitating employment opportunities for individuals facing physical or mental constraints and offering scholarships and financial assistance to students in need.
The Arjun Gupta Foundation’s connection to squash is both deep and personal. Arjun himself was part of one of the most decorated cohorts in Canadian junior squash history, achieving success on court while prioritizing the friendships, family, and community that make squash special. In partnership with Squash Canada, the Foundation has established the Bursary for International Excellence, which supports young Canadian athletes representing their country abroad through the remainder of 2025.
Looking ahead, the Arjun Gupta Foundation is working toward building a $1 million endowment, ensuring that Arjun’s legacy of generosity and opportunity continues in perpetuity. As part of the lead-up to this year’s Women’s Open, the Foundation will also host its second annual fundraising event, further strengthening its impact on the community and beyond.
Squash Canada is proud to honour the Arjun Gupta Foundation as a Gold Partner and to celebrate its ongoing commitment to carrying forward Arjun’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and opportunity.
