Squash: Key Facts
Our Key Messages
Spanning every corner of the globe from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa to Oceania
Unique ability to showcase a host city
Glass courts and small physical footprint enables squash to showcase a host city like no other sport
Easy and cost-effective to integrate into the Olympic Games
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
Olympic Games would be the absolute pinnacle for athletes
Every one of our leading athletes is hugely excited by possibility of Squash being in the Games
Malaysia's No. 1, Nicol David
We are a growing, global sport played in 185 countries by men and women of all ages—our legends come from all over the globe; from Egypt, Malaysia, New Zealand to England. It is amazing to note that all 5 continental regions have produced both male and female world champions. Squash is now also increasing in popularity in emerging markets like India, China/Hong Kong, Russia and Brazil. It is a game that is popular in countries which are not traditionally dominant in the Games.
Squash is the essence of Olympic Sport.
- Why Squash?
- Gladiatorial, requiring peak physical fitness and chess like strategy to excel
- The “world’s healthiest sport” (As reported by Forbes Magazine)
- Spectators feel part of the action/see and hear everything up close
- 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 has listened and learnt
The previous bid campaigns were a good learning experience for us. Since then we have developed some good contacts and knowledge from them. We understand that securing squash a place in 2020 Olympic Games key to growing game further. Since then, we have been;
• Utilising latest broadcast technology
• Electronic referee decision-making, video review and big-screen presentation of decisions
• Rolling out courts in urban areas
• All-glass show courts, and glass floors adding a new dimension
• Implemented World Squash Day (5 Nov). Last year’s focus was on attracting girls/women to squash
• It made sense to have a base alongside our colleagues in the Olympic family
• An important step and demonstrates our 100% commitment to our 2020 campaign
