Cricket, squash toast LA inclusion

Two national sports associations are excited about their sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and are now setting goals for the foreseeable future to increase the chances of qualification.

The Philippine Cricket Association and the Philippine Squash Academy are over the moon about the recent inclusion made by the International Olympic Committee and are already optimistic about the chances of making it into the world's biggest multisport event.

Apart from cricket and squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse and flag football have been approved to be added for the Summer Games at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India last 15 to 17 October.

The Philippine Cricket Association will use the latest developments to secure deeper partnerships with sporting bodies such as the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

"This is excellent news and hopefully will allow us to enhance or even unlock partnerships with the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Government Agencies and commercial partners," the federation said in a social media post.

The Philippine cricket team recently took home two silver medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last May.

Meanwhile, the PSA already has a guideline to follow following the squash's inclusion in the Olympics.

PSA president Robert Bachmann told DAILY TRIBUNE that the national team will be more involved by searching for a foreign coach.

"A lot will change beginning next year. First things first, we need to hire a foreign coach. Second, we will establish a more structured standardized competition calendar. This would allow our players to plan and prepare for key events leading up to qualifiers, such as regional and continental championships/games, and PSA (Professional Squash Association) World Tour competitions to improve our world ranking," said Bachmann, who is also the president of the Southeast Asian Squash Federation.

"Third, we will foster collaboration between national teams, including joint training and sharing of coaching methods and best practices. Fourth, we will gain access to better training camps, coaching, facilities, and sports science support."

With the national squash team going home empty-handed from the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Bachmann said they are also planning to host some of the international squash tournaments in the country.