Saturday, August 31, 2013

Why should Squash be in the Olympics?

I read this article on a blog, and i believe this deserves being shared.

So why should squash be in the Olympics? Here's why:

  • It’s a growing, global sport, played in 185 countries on over 50,000 courts by youngsters, men and women of all ages
  • Genuine legends from across the globe [from Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, New Zealand to England]
  • All 5 continental regions have produced both male and female world champions
  • Global reach/increasing popularity in emerging markets [India, China/Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil...]
  • Popular in countries which are not traditionally dominant at the Olympic Games [Egypt/ Malaysia/ Pakistan]
  • Thriving, successful and well-established men’s and women’s tours
  • Spanning every corner of the globe from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa to Oceania
  • Unique ability to showcase a host city with full glass courts and small physical footprint enables squash to showcase a host city like no other sport [Pyramids, Hong Kong Harbour etc]
  • Easy and cost-effective to integrate into the Olympic Games with just 64 athletes, 2 competition courts and 5 day tournament schedule
  • Already played in every major multi-sport games: Including the Commonwealth, Pan Am, Asian and World Games
  • A first class anti-doping record, fully compliant with the WADA code – our record speaks for itself
  • The Olympic Games would be the absolute pinnacle for athletes
  • Squash personifies the essence of Olympic Sport: Gladiatorial, requiring peak physical fitness and chess like strategy to excel
  • Squash is the “world’s healthiest sport” [Forbes Magazine] Spectators feel part of the action/see and hear everything up close
  • It is the only racket sport where players share same space – ensuring unique flow/competitiveness
  • Teaches young people about tactics and movement; played by young and old alike
  • Squash – is driving growth & embracing change
§  Utilising latest broadcast technology
§  Electronic referee decision-making, video review and big-screen presentation of decisions
§  All-glass show courts, and glass floors adding a new dimension

§  World Squash Day [5 Nov] focus on attracting girls/women to squash

Do vote for Squash to be included in the Olympics 2020 here



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