Egypt's world-beaters celebrate as squash finally arrives

Squash stronghold Egypt celebrated on Monday as the sport's inclusion in the program for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles raised hopes of winning some gold medals. However, the head of the country's squash federation warned against excessive optimism.

Squash, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and baseball-softball are the five sports added to the program after being approved by the International Olympic Committee as it looks to tap into new global audiences.

"I'm super happy and excited that we finally made it to the Olympics," Nour El-Sherbini, the sport's women's world No 1, said in a video posted on Facebook.

"I have been always dreaming to play in the Olympics Games and have finally made it. Congratulations to everyone and all the squash players and fans. See you in the Olympics."

For his part, Mostafa Assal, ranked third in the world in the men's competition, wrote on Facebook: "Farewell to the phrase squash is not an Olympic game.

"Thanks, God, for squash's entry into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics."

Egypt dominates squash, with five players currently in the top 10 in the men's world rankings, in addition to Mohamed El-Shorbagy, an Egyptian who decided to switch allegiance to England.

Egypt also holds the top three positions in the women's rankings in addition to a fourth player among the top 10.

The country's squash federation celebrated the decision to include the sport in the Olympics on its website.

But Assem Khalifa, president of the federation, said the task will not be easy.

"The decision makes squash an Olympic game in the 2028 edition only, and after that the existence of the game will be evaluated again," he told local media.

"Therefore, the game must participate successfully, and its existence be proven. Then we wait for the new decision after the 2028 Olympics.

"We hope to achieve more than one gold medal, but this decision will certainly increase other countries' interest in the game," he added.

"We would be wrong if we felt that we were guaranteed a gold medal at the Olympics. We must be extremely prepared to achieve the maximum possible."

Zena Wooldridge, president of the World Squash Federation, said the game is an "amazingly dynamic, diverse and demanding sport that is perfectly suited for the Olympic Games".

"The inclusion of squash ... is a significant breakthrough for the sport," US Squash chief executive Kevin Klipstein said.

"Being part of the Olympic Games has been a long-held goal for the squash community, and inclusion will serve as a catalyst to increase awareness of what is already a major participatory sport globally with a long and diverse history."

REUTERS