At the elite level, Iran has made a huge progress over recent years in the region. From outside the top 16, the Iran team finished in seventh place in the Asian Junior Championships two months ago in Korea.

Furthermore, Iranian girls will participate for the first time in the forthcoming Asian Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.

“Establishing the squash association with civic authorities and the Education Ministry has speeded up the growth of the sport dramatically,” said ISF President Masoud Soleimani. “Today many parks in the capital city Tehran have one-wall squash. Also in schools, one-wall squash is popular, and some classrooms have been modified so squash can be taught.”

Some 400 women coaches have been trained to promote squash amongst young children in kindergartens. To this end, light plastic rackets have been specially designed and produced. The balls are also lighter and bigger – especially designed for the kids – named ‘smile balls’.

Iran Squash Federation budgets are equally divided between initiatives for men and women. As a result of this, women’s squash has become very successful over the past three years.

“Sogol Samoodi, our U17 girl who was placed sixth in Asia in 2011, is the first lady to achieve this from Iran,” explained Soleimani. “Ailee Nayeri, our U13 champion, also reached the Asia top 10.

“Also, for the first time in the history of the game here, Iran had six boys and six girls in the top eight players of different age categories in 19th Asian Junior Individual Championship in Kish Island, Iran,” added the ISF President. “This was the first major championship hosted in Iran, in which Iran was very successful and responded very positively to the trust of Asian Squash Federation.

“This success led Iran to become the host of this championship again in 2014 – another huge achievement for the country at international levels.”

Picture shows Iran Women’s Premier League champions Tehran

Read ISSUE #44

Not only one of the world’s top referees, Peter was a genuinely nice guy, liked and respected by everybody in squash. His passing at the impossibly early age of fifty is difficult to come to terms with.

His families, his own and also his squash family will miss him hugely.

Rest in peace, Peter.

The research will also look at new options that will help raise officiating standards generally.

The two-phase project, which is due to be completed by August this year, will involve a combination of information-gathering and interviews by the Swiss Lausanne-based Institute before recommendations are made at the second stage.

Welcoming the partnership, WSF President N Ramachandran commented: “Squash is blessed with some excellent referees from across the globe, but we do need to enlarge the pool and ensure that they have the best possible resources to enable them to improve – from local right through to international level. This study by the esteemed AISTS team will provide new perspectives for us as part of that process.”

AISTS Executive Director Dr Claude Stricker is pleased to confirm that the project is already underway: “The AISTS looks at innovative solutions to develop qualified referees in the sport of squash and follows a multidisciplinary approach in this process. The AISTS integrates knowledge from different disciplines such as management, psychology, economics, technology, and incorporates the knowledge from the best case studies found in other sports.”

The latest edition of the WSF’s newsletter, for March / April 2013, with news of some great support for the Olympic Bid, World Championship updates, Regional competitions, Masters, Rankings, and much much more …

Instant Update Issue 43

Jordan is a vibrant squash nation, hosting the Asian Junior Individual Championship this year. Vibrant can be used to describe Amman too, and offers an opportunity for excursions to the Dead Sea and stunning Petra either before or after the conference

The theme this year is ‘The Next Step: Becoming an Elite Referee’ and the varied programme and quality presenters will ensure that attendees come away having developed their skills and learnt a great deal.

The details are attached herewith and if you have any questions or would like to make a booking please contact Lorraine at lorraine@worldsquash.org.

Your help in circulating the details to referees in your country who may be interested in attending would be appreciated.

Package Registration Form

“Squash has enjoyed a tremendous recent run – beginning with the successful IOC inspection visit to the Hong Kong Open early in December, and followed shortly afterwards by our presentation to the IOC Programme Commission in Lausanne,” said Ramachandran.

“And this weekend we were not only treated to the best live TV coverage of the sport I have ever seen, on Sky and Eurosport, but also an avalanche of positive press coverage around the world – all of which is inspiring me to feel that we have made huge progress since our last Olympic bid four years ago.

“We know that one of our challenges was the televisual aspect of squash – but, thanks to the significant investment in SquashTV by our colleagues at the PSA, our coverage is now first-rate,” added Ramachandran. “The clarity of the ball, the regular use of super slow mos, and the introduction of ‘video reviews’ have all contributed towards a television ‘product’ which is streets ahead of what we were used to in the past.

“And this was endorsed by new broadcasters adding squash to their programming this weekend, expanding our reach to a potential worldwide audience of more than 300 million,” concluded the WSF President.

Ace cyclist Victoria Pendleton, a gold medallist at London 2012, joined fellow British medallists Joanna Rowsell andGreg Searle at last week’s PSA World Series Finals in London.

“Squash is a very physically demanding sport and it’s also very spectator-friendly,” said Pendleton. “It has all the qualities required to make it a great Olympic sport. I don’t know why it isn’t in already.”

“Squash is a very physically demanding sport and it’s also very spectator-friendly,” said Pendleton. “The nature of the game means that it works really well – it’s fast and exciting – and it has all the qualities required to make it a great Olympic sport. I don’t know why it isn’t in already.”

Pendleton has trained alongside English squash star Nick Matthew in Manchester – and watched the world number two in action against his fellow Briton Peter Barker at The Queen’s Club in London. Matthew is also engaged to sports scientistEsme Taylor, who has worked with both Pendleton and Rowsell as part of her role with the Team GB cycling team.

“I think it’s really interesting that you can have a sport like squash which is so universal.” said Searle. “You have it played in over 150 countries and people of all different shapes and sizes can play it. Each sport is different and has different properties. In rowing, if you’re not 6ft 5 it’s hard to compete, but squash can be played by everyone.”

Pendleton added: “In a sport that translates well onto TV then that’s really how you can draw people into it and get people to try it. The whole idea is to give people the opportunity to get involved. I would love to have a go at squash but I think it would take me a long time to get to grips with it!”

Pendleton, Rowsell and Searle were also introduced to women’s world No1 and seven-time World Champion Nicol David. “It’s such a total honour to meet you,” Pendleton told the Malaysian. “Your consistency is incredible and you really are amazing.”

On showing David her Gold and Silver medals from the London 2012 Olympic Games, Pendleton said: “You so deserve to have one of these.”

Picture (by Jordan Mansfield)  features (L to R) Greg Searle, Nicol David, Victoria Pendleton and Nick Matthew

Play the clips below to see how Nicol David and Ramy Ashour compellingly highlight the strengths of the squash case and what competing in the Olympic Games would mean to them.

The second video is a visual illustration that squash is played all over the world, with players from many of them taking part by self-filming their national identity.

Nicol David and Ramy Ashour make the case

Squash is played at The Ends of the Earth

President Ramachandran said: “Our presentation set out to show that squash has been on a journey of innovation over recent years.  Developments such as state-of-art all glass courts, under floor lighting, referee video review, side court entrances, and improved in-venue presentation have all led to a dramatic change in the broadcast and fan experience.

“We also stressed the global reach and appeal of the sport.  All five continents have produced both male and female world champions, and the current women’s top 20 features players from 12 countries spread across every continent.  There can be no doubt that if squash were to be included in the Olympic Games Programme it would provide more countries with a chance to be on the medal podium.”

“It was a great session,” added Ramachandran.  “The Programme Commission showed a real interest in the development of our sport.”

The WSF also unveiled its Squash 2020 bid film today, which captures the excitement and recent innovations in the sport, and what Squash would bring to the Olympic Games.  Featuring two of the game’s most exciting players – Malaysia’s Nicol David, currently bidding to win a record seventh World title, and Egypt’s Ramy Ashour, the newly-crowned men’s World Champion – the film was one of three shown as part of the WSF presentation to the IOC Programme Commission.

Watch the 2020 bid film 

James Willstrop, Men’s World No 1 said: “Squash represents the essence of Olympic sport.  It’s gladiatorial given that we are the only racket sport where players share the same space, and to excel requires a mix of mental strategy, skill, athleticism and fitness.  In the past few seasons there has been a revolution in the way squash is presented to spectators.  MCs, music and lighting have really helped to get the fans involved and that’s great for players.

“I’m 29 years old so my dream to compete in the Olympic Games may never be realised, but if I can play a part in helping squash become part of the Olympic Programme, I could even retire a happy man.”

One of the highlights of the presentation was the story of Reyna Pacheco and how squash has helped change her life.

Reyna Pachero, who was born in Mexico, now lives in the United States and became the highest ranked Urban player in US Squash, added: “My mother brought my older brother and myself to the United States when I was four. We were illegal immigrants, I grew up with very little at home and I didn’t believe there was much I could achieve. My life was completely transformed when Squash was introduced to me.

“Squash hasn’t just turned my life around – it probably saved my life. It inspired something in me that created a whole new path for me and recently led to me being awarded a scholarship from the Bill Gates Foundation to attend Columbia University. Perhaps one day I may even be able to realize my dream and share my story with the world as an Olympian in the 2020 Games.”

Highlighting the technical qualities of squash Andrew Shelley, WSF Chief Executive said: “The format we have proposed to the IOC Programme Commission is Men’s and Women’s Singles Championships involving 32 male and 32 female players.  Matches would take place on two state-of-the art all glass courts, each with a capacity of up to 4,000 spectators utilising steep seating to create a really strong arena affect and great atmosphere.  Squash would be easy and low cost to integrate into the Olympic Games, with just 64 athletes, two competition courts that can be built in a matter of days and only 20 officials.

“Squash also has the advantage of sharing a venue if required, or being staged in an iconic, visually stunning environment and our sport has a track record of doing exactly this.  For example, in front of the Pyramids, alongside Hong Kong Harbour and at Grand Central Station in New York.”

To view two of the WSF bid films – the main film ‘Squash Olympic Bid’, and a YouTube-style film ‘Ends Of The Earth’ that shows squash players from around the world backing the Squash2020 bid – visit www.worldsquash.org/ws/?page_id=10535

watch the films

After unsuccessful attempts to be selected for both the 2012 and 2016 Games, Squash has consolidated a variety of initiatives which the WSF will present to the IOC Programme Commission on Wednesday.

The presentation follows the IOC ‘inspection’ visit to Hong Kong earlier this month where the final stages of the 27th edition of the Hong Kong Open were staged in spectacular style on an all-glass showcourt sited at the Cultural Centre Piazza overlooking the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui.

“This is an important milestone for Squash’s ambition to join the Olympic Games Sports Programme,” said President Ramachandran. “The presentation team is looking forward to demonstrating to the IOC Programme Commission how we have listened and learnt since our last bid, the innovations that have been introduced into Squash over the last few seasons, and what Squash can bring to the Olympic Movement if we are successful in our campaign.”

Ramachandran and Willstrop will be joined in the presentation party by WSF CEO Andrew Shelley and Mexican Reyna Pacheco.

Tijuana-born 18-year-old Pacheco, now a freshman at Columbia University, arrived in the US as an illegal immigrant, aged four. Her troubled life was ‘totally transformed’ when she discovered squash at an urban initiative in San Diego, where she rapidly became the best junior in the programme.

After a rain-affected semi-finals session on the Saturday, the two finals brought the 27th staging of the World Series championships to a glorious climax outdoors on an all-glass show court erected at the Cultural Centre Piazza on the Hong Kong waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui.

Nicol David, the Malaysian superstar who has topped the world rankings since 2006, won her eighth successive Hong Kong title after beating surprise French opponent Camille Serme in the women’s final, and Egypt’s 2010 champion Ramy Ashour successfully regained the men’s title after deposing defending champion James Willstrop, the world number one from England, in the other final.

“I could not be more happy with this weekend,” said WSF President N Ramachandran. “The Hong Kong Open is an impressive event, superbly managed by the Hong Kong Squash Federation and we were honoured that the IOC Programme Commission chose to come and evaluate it.

“While it is not one of our largest events by capacity, it has been framed to bring squash to the public; and the placing of the all-glass show-court on the Avenue Of The Stars at the Harbour certainly did that.

“We hope that the inspectors were happy with the staging, presentation and broadcast of our sport, together with our fine Tour athletes, and that their positive impressions can be reinforced when we present to the Commission as a whole in Lausanne later this month.”

Walter Sieber, one of the two IOC Programme Commission representatives, said: “We were able to make a very thorough inspection of the way the event was organised, taking into account the needs of the athletes and coaches. Naturally, we also wanted to assess how the glass court is helping to present the sport for broadcast purposes.

“We found that the competition arrangements were of a high level, and on court we were able to see the top players in action too. It has proven to be very informative.”

After winning her 40th successive match in Hong Kong since 2003, Nicol David added: “I am so glad that the IOC inspectors could come to see such an amazing setup that is done here every year. For us players to play on the waterfront is wonderful – and they get to experience it too.

“I really hope that it helps our chances to join the Olympic programme.”

The Hong Kong Open, sponsored by the leading international airline Cathay Pacific since its launch in 1985, is one of the most popular championships on the world tour: “This venue shows how you can pick up and take the glass court to any great location in the world, wherever the Olympics is staged,” said England’s world champion Nick Matthew. “It is great that the IOC group have seen that for themselves.”

After a semi-final line-up featuring nations from four different continents, second seeds Egypt emerged triumphant after beating favourites England in a dramatic final which went to the wire. Held in France for the first time and boasting a record entry of 26 nations, the 2012 World Squash Federation championship came to a climax at the historic city’s La Parnasse Arena where, for the first time ever, action took place simultaneously on three all-glass show courts.

Alongside defending champions Australia and former champions England, the Nimes championship attracted event first-timers Czech Republic, Argentina, Republic of Korea and Namibia. In only their third ever appearance, Indiarecorded a historic fifth place finish.

It was Egypt’s second women’s world team title since 2008 – and featured a squad made up entirely of individual world junior champions: Raneem El Weleily, champion in 2005 & 2007; reigning champion Nour El Sherbini; Nour El Tayeb (2011); and Omneya Abdel Kawy (2003).

Egyptian coach Amir Wagih was thrilled with his team’s performance: “It’s so good for Egypt and so good for squash – it was a super final with three matches of unbelievable squash.”

Egypt’s latest success follows the men’s team crown won in Germany last year; the men’s junior team title successfully retained in July this year; and the women’s junior trophy which the country has held since 2007.

Squash is one of seven sports short-listed for consideration for the 2020 Olympic Games. With a solitary bronze won in the 2008 Games in Beijing, and just two silvers at London 2012, Egypt would be confident of adding squash gold in 2020 and beyond.

“Before getting underway, our women’s world championship in Nimes already broke significant records – with a record 26 entries and the first ever simultaneous use of three all-glass showcourts at the same event,” said WSF President N Ramachandran.

“And now Egypt’s inspiring team of young women has emphatically shown that a new nation could feature regularly on the winner’s podium if our sport were part of the Olympic Games programme.”

The 2012 championship generated unprecedented media coverage in France – from daily coverage in regional and national press to TV coverage on TF1, France 2, FR3, Sud-TV, Orange TV and Canal+ Sport.

“The event provided a great opportunity for squash development in France,” said Jacques Fontaine, President of theFédération Française de Squash, which will also host the 2013 Men’s World Team Championship in Mulhousenext June.

“All our efforts were focussed on our 2020 bid – the event helped to showcase the global growth of squash with a record number of nations taking part.

“We now feel we can expect a huge success in Mulhouse next year, where we will also be using the three glass courts.

“We were delighted to host this year’s women’s world championship for the first time. It confirms to us that world-class squash events offer the best opportunity to promote our sport,” concluded Fontaine.

Instant Update #41 (9 pages)