For years, the sport of squash has been excluded from every athlete's dream world stage, the Olympics. Now, after persistent efforts, the sport will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 games. Former world no. 3 Madeline Perry who once campaigned for squash’s inclusion explains, “We tried to get our sport into the Olympics and were unsuccessful”. This is the first time we were able to get into the event.”
The announcement has ignited excitement among players and coaches alike, with many hoping that squash’s Olympic inclusion will bring it the recognition it deserves. Squash player Fiza Khan states, “I have been waiting for squash to be in the Olympics and it finally is! I am excited that squash will be introduced to the whole world.”
Fellow player Ibrahim Khan added “I’m happy because [squash] is finally going to be famous now.” Marina Stefanoni, a professional American squash player, who has competed for Harvard Crimson Squash, stayed up late to watch the official announcement. “It was awesome when it finally got announced because I feel like that’s the one thing that squash has been lacking. Now we can finally say that we’re an Olympic sport,” she said.
Many in the squash community believe that the Olympic spotlight will boost the sport’s popularity. Faheem Khan, a squash coach, thinks that “it will definitely increase the sport’s visibility. Many countries are in the Olympics, and some may not yet know about squash. This is a great opportunity to showcase squash to the world, making it more popular and encouraging countries unfamiliar with the sport to start playing it.”
Fellow coach and player Abby Bagby thinks that it “Is awesome. Squash players have a running joke that it’s [squash] not a real sport because it’s not in the Olympics. It was really a cool moment when squash got included.” Overall, the excitement and positivity surrounding squash’s inclusion in the Olympics were unanimous among those interviewed.
Squash’s long history dates back to 16th-century France and the ancient game of racquets. During the 1920s, squash rackets and the sport became widely popular. Today, squash has expanded its presence across 185 nations and is steadily gaining popularity in the United States, especially among youth in states like Pennsylvania.
The squash community, known for its close-knit support system, varies in experience levels. Including the players interviewed, some have played for as little as one or three years, whereas others, for as long as 38 years. Myra Ralhan, who has only played for just a year, loves the strategy involved, while Jordyn Napoli, a player for six years values the close bonds.
Marina Stefanoni shared, “I love how small the squash community is. For example, if you know somebody in Malaysia, they might know somebody that you know from some other country. So, like, it’s just very connected internationally as well. And even older generations that have played squash and gone through their time in the junior tour or professionally, everyone sort of stays connected and stays involved in the game, which is really nice.” Faheem Khan, now squash coach, commended the growth of US Squash, which recently hosted the World Junior Championship in Houston saying, “US Squash is doing a fantastic job. They have created a great environment organizing events.”
Stefanoni sees the Olympics as a game-changer for the sport’s future: “It’s going to help bring in funding for the sport in certain countries… There’ll be more kids starting to play squash. It’s really just an exposure thing, and also media presence. I think being in the Olympics helps individuals promote themselves.” This sentiment was echoed by many in the squash community, who see the Olympics as a catalyst for growth and new audiences.
This inclusion has sparked discussions about other sports that could potentially join the Olympic roster. Responses varied widely, from “bowling” and “pickleball”to “professional phone throwing” and “pro office chair racing.” Squash player Steve Xie suggests “lacrosse” while others think that “WWE boxing” or even “ballroom dancing” should be added. There is a wide range of athletes hoping their own sports might reach the Olympic stage one day.
With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the squash community eagerly anticipates a boost in visibility and participation. Faheem Khan, a former pro, wishes “all the best to the upcoming generation” with hopes for an Olympic medal. Stefanoni urged, “Squash in the U.S. is growing, so I think people should be on the watch for LA 2028.” With such support and anticipation, squash is poised to capture the world’s attention, seizing its moment in the Olympic spotlight.
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