Squash To Be Included In 2028 Olympic Games
Squash will be included in the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, with the Bermuda Squash Association’s Micah Franklin saying the inclusion will give the sport the “much-needed recognition and validation it deserves.”
A spokesperson said, “The World Squash Federation, US Squash, and the Professional Squash Association celebrate the inclusion of squash in the LA28 Olympic Games.
“The World Squash Federation [WSF], US Squash and the Professional Squash Association [PSA] welcome the decision by the International Olympic Committee [IOC] to officially select squash for inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games sports programme. WSF, US Squash and PSA extend their gratitude to the Organising Committee of the LA28 Olympic Games and the IOC for recognising the value that squash brings to the Olympic Games.
“Squash’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games will help the IOC and LA28 advance the mission to ‘deliver an unparalleled experience’ for athletes, fans, and the entire sports community.
“Squash will also leave a positive and lasting legacy in the Los Angeles community, where youth in the region will have the access and opportunity to play and compete in the sport for generations to come. This momentous decision provides squash’s world-class athletes the opportunity to compete on the biggest sporting stage in the world, with two medal events – men’s and women’s singles competitions.”
WSF President Zena Wooldridge said, “On behalf of the entire global squash community, I would like to express my immense delight at squash’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games. Squash is an amazingly dynamic, diverse and demanding sport that is perfectly suited for the Olympic Games. Everyone involved in our sport is elated to be LA28 bound and we look forward to being part of an unparalleled Olympic Games experience.”
US Squash Chief Executive Kevin Klipstein said, “The inclusion of squash in the LA28 Olympic Games is a significant breakthrough for the sport. Being part of the Olympic Games has been a long-held goal for the squash community, and inclusion will serve as a catalyst to increase awareness of what is already a major participatory sport globally with a long and diverse history.
“Access to the sport and the opportunities it provides will continue to increase for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We look forward to supporting our Team USA and the squash community in the lead up to – and beyond – the Games.”
PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said, “Our athletes have worked tirelessly to earn this recognition and we are grateful for the opportunity to see them compete for glory at the LA28 Olympic Games. This inclusion marks a significant milestone in squash’s journey, and I look forward to watching our players inspire the world with their incredible skill and athleticism on the biggest stage of all.”
Micah Franklin, Head of Squash at the Bermuda Squash Association [BSA], said, “This announcement today is one that squash players may have only dreamt of. Squash has been bidding for Olympic inclusion for as long as I can remember. Players and squash fans around the world have been disappointed countless times over every time the IOC makes their announcement for new sports inclusion.
“Well, not this time! Today’s announcement gives squash the much-needed recognition and validation it deserves. I have dedicated my life to this sport from a junior, to professional, to now coach because of the passion I have for it. Today I have hope that others will now find that appreciation that I have for squash, as one of the most challenging sports in the world.
“I look forward to continuously growing the sport in Bermuda and developing the next generation of squash players as now Olympic hopefuls.”
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