By Mike Rowbottom

October 23 - The quest for Olympic status being undertaken by the sport of squash maintained momentum today as member nations of the World Squash Federation (WSF) re-elected N Ramachandran (pictured) as President for a second term at the annual meeting in Chennai, India.



Ramachandran, who first became the Federation's first Indian President in 2008, won the vote unopposed after the withdrawal of challenger, America's Natalie Grainger, earlier in the week.

The 40th WSF annual meeting, with 45 member nations in attendance, was held after two Conference days during which presentations and discussions on the central focus of the WSF Strategic plan took place.

This involved the presentation and branding of the sport; the Olympic ideal; rules and development; as well as many general facets.

All topics were framed to help take the sport forward and encourage growth of participation together with a higher media profile.

The elections were held after the completion of general business - including bringing officer terms in line with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), receiving reports from the nations and approving budgets and forward plans.

Voting for the vice-president positions saw Hong Kong's Heather Deayton re-elected for her third two year period, along with England's Chris Stahl for his second spell.

However, New Zealand's Gerard DeCourcy, vice-president for the last two years was beaten by Egypt's Mohamed El Menshawy, who was re-elected after previously serving in the WSF role.

"After two years in which I have prioritised our Olympic bid along with stabilising the WSF finances, I am honoured that the membership has seen fit to wish me to continue to build from this platform with our new management group," said Ramachandran.

"It is always disappointing to lose a valued team member as we have with Gerard DeCourcy, to whom I want to pay great tribute for everything he has done - but it is also very pleasing to welcome 'Mensh', who will add a new dimension."

El Menshawy, the managing drector of a Cairo Sports Marketing and Innovation company, expressed his pleasure: "I am very delighted to be back with the team and look forward to working hard to add value to the WSF."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2010: Businessman promises to "put squash back on the map" with launch of World Series
September 2010: Squash will not give up on Olympics claims world's top player
December 2009: Squash vows not to give up on Olympic dream
November 2009: Squash should keep trying to get in Olympics say IOC