In a historic development for the world of sports, the International Olympic Committee has officially approved squash as one of the five new sports to be featured at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This decision marks a momentous milestone for squash, which has long aspired to be part of the Olympic roster.
Alongside squash, the IOC has also included baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and T20 cricket in the upcoming Games, reflecting a diversification of sports aimed at enhancing the Olympic experience.
Squash’s inclusion in the Olympics is particularly notable given that it has never before been featured as an Olympic sport. The sport was, however, showcased as a demonstration event at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018. This prior exposure provided a platform for the sport to gain recognition and showcased its potential appeal to a global audience. The formal acceptance of squash into the Olympic fold represents a significant triumph for its international community, which has long advocated for its inclusion.
Nour El Sherbini, the current women's World No. 1 in squash, took to her social media channels to celebrate this groundbreaking decision. El Sherbini's enthusiasm was palpable as she shared her joy and excitement at the news. "I'm super happy and excited that we finally made it to the Olympics," she declared. El Sherbini, who has long harbored dreams of competing in the Olympic Games, expressed her heartfelt congratulations to all squash players and fans. Her statement underscores the profound impact of this inclusion on the athletes who have dedicated their lives to the sport.
In a similar vein, Amanda Sobhy, the United States No. 1 squash player, expressed her profound excitement at the prospect of competing in the Olympics. Speaking to World Squash, Sobhy emphasized the significance of this opportunity, noting that competing in the Olympic Games is a pinnacle of an athlete's career. "It’s everything that you can dream of as an athlete to be able to compete in the Olympic Games," Sobhy remarked. The prospect of contending for an Olympic gold medal and representing her country in front of a home crowd adds an extra layer of significance to her participation.
The inclusion of squash in LA28 is expected to invigorate the sport's global following and enhance its profile on the world stage. The Olympic spotlight will provide squash with unprecedented visibility, potentially attracting new fans and participants to the sport. The competition will showcase the sport's fast-paced and dynamic nature, offering a new dimension to the Olympic program and highlighting the diverse range of athletic disciplines.
As the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Games begins, the squash community is abuzz with anticipation and preparation. The addition of squash to the Olympic roster not only validates the sport's global appeal but also presents an opportunity for athletes to achieve the highest accolade in their sport. For players like El Sherbini and Sobhy, and many others around the world, this represents a dream come true and a moment of profound significance in their athletic careers.
