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.
For more information, please contact:
Nathan Clarke | PSA PR & Communications Manager
+44 7885 638858 | nathan@psaworldtour.com
www.psaworldtour.com | www.psasquashtv.com
Facebook/psaworldtour | @PSAWorldTour
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