The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently announced that squash will officially be included in the Los Angeles LA28 Olympic Games.
This decision has been widely applauded by stakeholders such as the World Squash Federation (WSF), U.S. Squash and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) who have extended their gratitude to the Organising Committee of the LA28 Olympic Games and the IOC for this inclusion.
The President of the WSF, Zena Wooldridge, expressed her immense delight at squash’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games on behalf of the entire global squash community and has described squash as an amazingly dynamic, diverse, and demanding sport that is perfectly suited for the Olympic Games.
Kevin Klipstein, the CEO of U.S. Squash, has called the inclusion of squash in the LA28 Olympic Games a significant breakthrough for the sport and expressed his excitement for the increase in awareness that this inclusion will bring.
The PSA’s CEO, Alex Gough, has called this inclusion a momentous decision that provides squash’s world-class athletes with the opportunity to compete on the biggest sporting stage in the world, with two medal events – men’s and women’s singles competitions.
This marks a significant milestone in squash’s journey, and he looks forward to watching the players inspire the world with their incredible skill and athleticism.
Some squash enthusiasts spoke to NAN and expressed their views that the inclusion of squash in the LA28 Olympic Games would help the IOC and LA28 advance the mission to “deliver an unparalleled experience” for athletes and fans.
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Boye Oyerinde, the President of the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), described the development as a good one for the development of squash and a welcome opportunity for players to showcase their skills on the world stage.
Similarly, Tomi Falase, the Chairman of the Lagos State Squash Association, believes that the idea of players competing on the world stage will make squash more competitive and attract more sponsors to the sport.
Busayo Olatunji, the number two ranked female player in the country, expressed her excitement about the possibility of representing Nigeria at the Olympics, and Yusuf Durosinlorun, the Technical Director of the NSF, believes that this inclusion will add value to the players and attract more corporate sponsors to the sport.
Onaopemipo Adegoke, the number one ranked male player in the country, is looking forward to representing Nigeria at the world stage, and Seun Peters, a former President of the Professional Squash Players Association of (Nigeria), believes that the level of competitiveness will be top-notch, and squash will be better for it.
Retired coach Wasiu Sanni described this inclusion as a great achievement and expressed his gratitude for being alive to witness this occasion, while squash enthusiasts Biyi Mabadeje and Ebi Ogionwo have described this inclusion as brilliant and exciting.
The inclusion of squash in the LA28 Olympic Games is expected to promote the sport and attract more young players to participate in the game.
