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



Source