Squash and the Olympics

The squash world is abuzz with the thought of squash being added to the 2016 Olympic Games roster. After narrowly missing the opportunity to be part of the 2012 Games, all eyes and ears are on the possibility of squash, named the healthiest sport in 2003 by Forbes.com, joining the world’s most important sporting event. While this would be viewed as an enormous triumph for the game and all those involved, what exactly are the implications to squash world in becoming an Olympic sport? The following highlights some of the many benefits and few drawbacks to a sport such as squash joining the world stage at the Olympics.

The first, and arguably the primary benefit to any sport being added to the Olympic Games, is that of the ‘free’ but extremely powerful marketing opportunity it provides the sport, subsequently increasing its recognition around the world. The Olympic Games allow for a globalization of sport as the media coverage is astonishing.

The Olympics are one of the most watched sporting events with approximately 200 nations broadcasting the events live. This exposure would generate attention not only for the sport of squash itself, but the participants as well. Specifically, squash would be included in the Summer Games, coinciding with the sport’s offseason, leaving the best players free to represent their respected nations, allowing it to truly be a showcase of the world’s top squash athletes. The increased awareness of the sport and its players establishes an opportunity for nations, governing bodies, clubs, leagues, and the individual players alike to benefit, namely in terms of additional sponsorship and advertising revenue, as well as further funding and donations for the nonprofit organizations whom govern the sport. The inclusion of squash on the Olympic roster also provides nations with an opportunity to capitalize on the star power of their athletes and their accomplishments, adding to the countries status on the world stage, as well as patriotism at home.

Second, with the growing awareness and interest of the sport also comes increased participation. Just as volleyball, triathlon, and snowboarding experienced a surge in participation levels after becoming Olympic sports, it is expected squash would incur a similar trend. This would result in a multiplier effect on the squash community, including a rise in club memberships, equipment consumption, tournament entries, and also create a higher standard of play; as the best would be challenged on a more frequent basis, subsequently affirming the accuracy of the squash player rankings.

One other key benefit of being an Olympic sport is that of the inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games. In 2010, Singapore will host the first ever Summer Youth Games featuring all 26 sports on the current Olympic roster. Thus, if squash were to be added to the adult games, the Youth Games would not be far behind, further increasing the sport’s reach and raise participation levels in the younger demographic. As the youth are the future of the game, this would allow for a smooth generational transition within the sport as the Baby Boomers age.

While there are many benefits associated with the notion of squash becoming an Olympic sport, a few drawbacks loom as well. In particular, like all sports in the Olympics, squash would be subject to the political turmoil that often overshadows the Games; including everything from boycotts to scandals to terrorism concerns. However, overall it is evident that the benefits of being an Olympic sport far outweigh the potential downsides for squash, the sport, and its community.

Here’s to being added for 2016!

SQUASH 2016 DAY was Saturday May 23rd, 2009!!!

To Read the Squash Canada SQUASH 2016 Blog click here

To Learn More about Supporting Squash's Olympic Bid click here

NEWS!! - Articles of Interest Regarding Squash and the Olympics

IOC - Golf and Rugby Join 2016 Olympic Programme

World Squash Federation - Squash United Behind 2016 Olympic Bid

GamesBids.com - Squash Deserves Olympic Inclusion

GamesBids.com - Squash 2016 at ANOCA to Promote Sport

Canada.com - IOC Could Choose Two, One or None of Seven Sports

Archive Articles:

World Squash Federation Press Release - Squash Shortlisted for 2016  

World Squash Federation Press Release - Beijing Experience Boosts Jahangir Khan's Hopes for Squash in 2016 Games

Squash360.com - Malaysian Nicol Guns for Olympic Inclusion  

World Squash Federation - World's Top Players Pledge Support for Squash Olympic Bid  

World Squash Federation - Squash Presents Its Case to the IOC  

World Squash Federation - Athlete Ambassadors Rally in New York  

Squash Canada - Squash Eyes 2016 Olympic Dream  

World Squash Federation - Peter Nicol Outlines Squash 2016 Dreams

GamesBids.com - Sports Campaign for Olympic Status at SportAccord

World Squash Federation - Squash Stars the World Over 

World Squash Federation - European Juniors Back the Bid 

GamesBids.com - World Squash Day Promotes Olympic Inclusion

World Squash Federation - Squash Leaps Towards 2016 Olympics

World Squash Federation - Squash Makes a Worldwide Racquet for Olympic Bid

GamesBids.com - Squash Prepares for IOC Presentation

World Squash Federation - Hannah Shines at IOC Presentation

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Sources:

Slater, Matt. “Squash Deserves Olympic Place.” BBC Sport Online. 23 Mar 2007. Accessed 11 July 2008. .
Neal Santelmann. “Ten Healthiest Sports.” Forbes.com. 1 Oct 2003. Accessed 15 July 2008. .
The Olympic Museum. The Modern Olympic Games 2nd Edition. 2007. Accessed 10 July 2008. .
Anonymous. “Top sports to watch.” Sporting Goods Business. San Francisco: Jun 1995. Vol. 28, Iss. 6; pg. 45. “Home.” USA Gymnastics Online. Accessed 9 July 2008. . And Griffin, Cara. “Multiple Choice.” SGB. New York: May 2005. Vol. 38. Iss. 5; pg. 20.
“The Games.” Singapore 2010 Online. Accessed 14 July 2008. .
“Olympics (A Special Report): The Olympics and Politics.” Wall Street Journal. (Eastern edition). New York: 12 Apr 2008. pg. R.2.