Squash officially becomes Olympic sport – Irish Squash Message

Irish Squash, The World Squash Federation (WSF) 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.

This significant 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”.

Irish Squash Chief Executive Scott Graham also welcomed the monumental inclusion of squash in the Olympics. He noted “squash is an exciting and diverse sport which deserves its place at the games”, he further added that “this news is particularly exciting for Irish Squash and our crop of talented budding stars and is sure to inspire more youngsters across the island of Ireland to join their local club and try their hand at squash”. While Irish Squash president Rosie Barry, remarked “this is a momentous day for squash players worldwide. Now is the time to believe in our big dreams of competing on the Olympics world stage. Heartfelt thanks to the WSF, PSA and US Squash for their effective work in promoting squash and ensuring its inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games”.

Squash has been lobbying tirelessly for a place at the Olympics so its upcoming inclusion is a major milestone for the sport on a global scale which will act as catalyst to increase the awareness and participation in truly global sport, suitable for all ages. As such, squash’s core values of inclusion, integrity and innovation align with those of the Olympic Games, and through today’s announcement, a new era of squash is born.

Regarding high-performance athletes, PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough explained “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.”

Additional details on the LA28 Olympic Games sporting schedule will be announced by the LA28 Organising Committee.

The entire Irish Squash community expressed their sincere gratitude to the Organising Committee of the LA28 Olympic Games and the IOC for recognising the immense 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. Already with millions of everyday participants and fans around the world, inclusion in the Olympics will extend the reach of the sport to new audiences and inspire players and fans globally. Not only will squash leave a positive and lasting legacy in the Los Angeles community, today’s historic news will also provide rich motivation to Irish squash players and rejuvenate squash on the island of Ireland!