PSA Shortlist Reaction from PSA Media June 22, 2015
- The Professional Squash Association (PSA), the organisation
responsible for the administration of men's and women's professional
squash, have welcomed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC)
decision to include the sport within the latest 2020 Olympic Games
shortlist unveiled today.
Squash was named alongside Baseball/Softball, Bowling, Karate, Roller
Sports, Climbing, Surfing and Wushu in the eight-strong shortlist which
comes following the IOC's decision to abolished the cap of 28 sports
for the Summer Games in December 2014 and move to an “events-based”
system.
PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: "We're delighted that squash has
once again been included within the Olympic Games Shortlist and look
forward to following the progress of the IOC and Tokyo 2020 committees
as they build towards their final decision in August 2016.
"The Olympic Games should be the pinnacle event in any athletes career
and inclusion in the Games would be a defining moment for squash and
offer our players, who represent over 60 countries around the world,
the chance to compete for what would unquestionably be the most
prestigious title in the sport.
"With that in mind and as the most demanding, dynamic and gladiatorial
racket sport in the world, with the ability to be played virtually
anywhere in the spectacular setting of a state-of-the-art four-walled
glass show court, we feel that squash would be the perfect addition to
the 2020 Olympic Games and offer Tokyo the chance to showcase some of
the city's most stunning locations in a truly unique sporting
environment."
A decision regarding which sport(s) will be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be announced in August 2016.
