The question that is on the mind of a lot of Squash enthusiasts will the sport ever be a part of the Olympic Games?
After years of lobbying to get squash featured in the next Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced last month their decision on whether squash is one of the five sports to be a part of the Olympic Games program of sports, thus resulting in squash being one of the many events in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Sadly, squash will not be featured in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; I see this as a major setback for the sport in terms of growth in participation. The reasons why squash has not been included in a major sporting event like the Olympics surprise me!!
Why should squash be a part of the Olympics?
It is well-known that squash has global appeal with participation in 180 countries; especially with the growth of squash participation in countries such as Africa and Jamaica, from it is excellent to see the popularity of the sport in countries looking to expand their sporting prowess to inspire a new generation of young people.
If squash is a part of the Commonwealth Games, why not the Olympics? The origins of squash are strong and being a part of the greatest event on the planet will cement its legacy.
The Olympic snub was made evident in the column of Nick Matthew (World. No. 2) in The Star a Sheffield-based local newspaper and also and also in Inside The Games “Why squash is so hurt by the Games snub” – his points on how squash measured up against other sports that are valid points on why part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games sport – from the column the two points raised which stuck out to me and the IOC should have considered is the Athletes – the growing popularity of female squash player Nicol David (8-time world champion), who in my opinion is one of the many inspirational squash players for young people of all backgrounds looking to get into squash.
Another point from Nick’s column, which the IOC should have taken note of is the financial aspect of squash – as a sport the setup would not have an impact on the infrastructure of the Games – in terms of building a separate venue resulting in the loss of homes of long terms residents.
Unity amongst nations and social value of Squash
Personally, as a company we hope one day is featured in the Olympic Games like Badminton and Tennis; thus resulting in a greater profile for squash, resulting in an increase in participation among the junior ranks at local clubs.
Having read so much about Squash over the years, along with talking to friends and associates they all agreed that Squash deserves to be an Olympic sport – mainly as the sport has produced many champions who deserve to be household names.
Furthermore, Squash has a lot of social value too – especially among the older generations, who love to play at venues after work with friends.
Perhaps it’s time all squash federations from around the world, including ones where squash is rapidly growing in popularity, come together as one and work on a strong business plan to bring squash to a bigger world stage like other sporting governing bodies.
In doing this, shows a unity of the sport among nations, who have done well in the sport, plus can highlights to the IOC that Squash should be featured alongside other sports with true value and can leave a lasting legacy to inspire young people across the world – especially in those countries were sports such as football are not so popular that Squash is the best sport to follow.
