Squash’s Olympic debut: A game-changer for the sport’s future
With LA28 on the horizon, squash aims for global expansion and long-term Olympic success
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With LA28 on the horizon, squash aims for global expansion and long-term Olympic success
Squash is set to make its historic Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, marking a major milestone for the sport. After years of campaigning, squash will share the Olympic stage with baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and T20 cricket as one of the five new additions to LA28.
The inclusion of squash is not just about recognition, but also an opportunity to redefine the sport’s global presence, attract new talent, and secure a long-term place in future Olympic Games.
“This is a defining moment for squash,” said World Squash CEO Zena Wooldridge, in an interview with Sam May for Inside the Games. “We have always believed that squash deserved a place on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Now, we have a chance to show the world what makes our sport truly unique.”
Squash’s successful bid for Olympic inclusion was the result of strategic partnerships and an effort to showcase the sport’s intensity, accessibility, and global appeal.
“The collaboration between World Squash, US Squash, and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) played a crucial role in presenting the sport’s strengths,” Wooldridge explained. “Squash is fast-paced, gender-equal, and widely played in over 170 countries. We highlighted how our glass-court arenas align with LA28’s vision of innovation and fan engagement.”
The sport’s adaptability was another key factor, with squash events being held in iconic locations, such as in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza or inside shopping malls, proving that it can thrive in dynamic, urban settings.
With less than four years to go, preparations are already underway to maximize the impact of squash’s Olympic debut. Wooldridge emphasized that the sport’s presentation, accessibility, and technology-driven innovations will be crucial.
“Our glass courts will offer a 360-degree fan experience, and we’re working with partners like the Olympic Channel, OBS, and NBC to bring cutting-edge coverage, including stroboscopic motion tracking and ball trajectory analysis,” she said.
Beyond the Olympic stage, squash is experiencing a boom in grassroots development, particularly in countries like China and the United States, where new programs and funding opportunities are fueling expansion.
“In China, we’re seeing unprecedented growth, with hundreds of courts being built. In the US, school and community programs—especially in California—are gaining momentum,” Wooldridge added.
While making it to the Los Angeles Games is a breakthrough, World Squash is already looking ahead to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
“Our goal is to cement squash as an Olympic mainstay,” Wooldridge said. “We’ve seen how inclusion in multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the Pan American Games has boosted participation and sponsorship. The same will happen with the Olympics.”
The growth of gender equality in squash will also play a crucial role in its future success. Since 2015, the men’s and women’s professional circuits have been unified under a single governing body, with equal prize money across PSA Squash Tour events.
“Squash has made massive strides towards gender balance,” Wooldridge noted. “Now, with Olympic inclusion, we can inspire the next generation of players—boys and girls—to dream bigger than ever before.”
As the LA28 countdown begins, the excitement within the squash community continues to build. The Olympics provide a global platform for the sport to attract new fans, increase sponsorship, and expand participation.
“This is more than just an Olympic debut—it’s the start of a new era for squash,” Wooldridge emphasized. “We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the sport’s intensity, skill, and inclusivity. The world is watching, and the next generation of squash Olympians is ready to rise.”
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