Squash is one of the five new sports that will make their debut in the US in just over three years, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and T20 cricket. Its inclusion is a significant step forward and has generated excitement among players, fans and the wider community.
According to Zena Wooldridge, CEO of World Squash, it is a monumental moment for the sport and its rebranding has only added to the buzz and anticipation for the future. The collaboration between key organizations such as World Squash, US Squash and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) played a crucial role in securing squash’s place in the Olympics. This partnership allowed squash to showcase its strengths, including its speed, health benefits, gender equality, and global diversity, in the best possible light. The unique qualities of squash align perfectly with the vision for the LA28 Olympics and its glass-court arenas will showcase the best of LA.
As squash prepares for its Olympic debut, its core principles of excellence, respect and friendship align seamlessly with the spirit of the Games. The 32-player draw for both the men’s and women’s events in the squash competition should be easy to manage, with the key challenge being to work with LA28, Los Angeles and the IOC to bring a unique dimension to the presentation of the sport. The technological advancements in collaboration with the Olympic Channel, OBS and NBC will enhance the fan experience and provide greater global exposure for squash. While there may be challenges, the next three-and-a-half years offer numerous opportunities for the sport to grow.
Its inclusion in the Olympics has already sparked growth in regions where the sport was previously less established, such as China and the US. The Olympics have also opened the door to new funding opportunities, including Olympic Solidarity funding, to accelerate the development of squash in underserved areas. Youth and grassroots initiatives have played a crucial role in the growth of squash worldwide, and with its inclusion in the Olympics, these programs will continue to expand. Squash is fortunate to have numerous grassroots and youth programs that make the sport accessible, and the Olympics have opened up new opportunities for these programs, such as the PlayLA Programme and the Access Youth Academy After School Programme in California.
Despite facing competition from other racket sports, squash’s growing popularity and Olympic status will keep it competitive. One of its biggest assets is its network of over 50,000 courts in 170 nations. The Olympic spotlight has attracted new sponsorships and broadcast opportunities, further boosting the sport’s growth. Technological advancements have also improved the fan experience, with all-glass courts providing a 360-degree viewing experience. As technology continues to advance, squash is poised to deliver even more engaging content for its global audience. Looking beyond the LA28 Olympics, World Squash’s focus is on securing squash’s long-term place in the Games.
Its inclusion in other multi-sport events, such as the Asian Games, Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games, has been well received, and they are working hard to make a strong case for its inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and beyond. As the sport continues to evolve, the focus remains on maximizing the benefits of Olympic inclusion. One of their key priorities is to ensure that all federations take advantage of funding and growth opportunities. They are also committed to increasing participation among young players, particularly in underserved communities, and furthering gender equality in the sport. With both the men’s and women’s professional tours now under a single governing body and equal prize money at PSA Squash Tour events since 2015, squash has made significant progress towards being a gender-balanced sport. Wooldridge has a simple message for young players inspired by squash’s Olympic breakthrough – the road to the Olympics starts with every training session, every match, and every moment spent improving.
The world is watching, and the next generation of squash Olympians starts with them.
