Stars rally to drum up support for squash
Sport is among one of eight disciplines vying for IOC vote to make it to 2020 programme
London: Some of the world's leading squash players, including women's world number one Nicol David and men's world number one James Willstrop, came together at London's 02 Arena on Friday to show their support for their sport's campaign to become part of the 2020 Olympic Games.
Altogether 16 players took time out from the Allam British Open, now under way at the 02 — one of the venues for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games — to back the inclusion of squash in the Olympic Games from 2020.
Champs' endorsement
Nicol David, the record-breaking six-time world champion from Malaysia, who has topped the women's rankings since August 2006, said: "It's the missing link in the Olympic Games. Squash has every element of what a true Olympic sport should be. It would be amazing if we were there with all the other racket sports — we have so much to offer the Olympic programme."
James Willstrop, the world number one from England, said: "Squash is the ultimate Olympic sport — it's what sport should be. We've got everything; it's physical, mental, tactical — and psychological. Every base has to be covered. It's a true all-round challenge. The sport is also well-established around the world with flourishing men's and women's tours."
Dipika Pallikal, the 20-year-old world No 14 from India said: "Squash is a really demanding sport and its top players are amongst the fittest in any sport.
"We would fit perfectly into the Olympic Games."
In July last year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed on a shortlist of disciplines that will be considered for inclusion in the programme of the 2020 Olympiad: baseball, karate, roller sports, softball, sports climbing, squash, wakeboard and wushu. Only one of them will be added to the 2020 programme, to be voted on by the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires next year.
In a press release, World Squash Federation president N. Ramachandran said: "Their [players'] support is an important element to our campaign as we head into a crucial 12 months that will see us present to the IOC Programme Commission and Executive Board and explain what the benefits to the Olympic Movement would be if squash becomes part of the Sports programme for the 2020 Games."
