Squash gets top billing on Google Maps in boost to 2020 Olympic bid

By Mike Rowbottom

September 18 - Squash was the top-rising query among related items on Google Maps in Britain this summer, according to research just published by Google.

The survey – published at here by Google Maps' senior product manager Manik Gupta – revealed that squash topped the list ahead of alternative sport and leisure search items like "park", "gym" and "golf courses".

"It is great to see that Google Maps searches bear out what we already know – that squash enthusiasm around the world includes the 'traditional' countries such as the United Kingdom too," said Andrew Shelley, chief executive of the World Squash Federation (WSF).

"To be placed ahead of other sports and leisure pursuits emphasises the strength and popularity of squash in the UK.

"But it is also important to remember that squash is a global sport which has spawned world champions from every continent and is played in 185 countries on over 50,000 courts – so there are a lot of answers out there."

Squash is shortlisted alongside six other sports bidding to join the Olympic Games in 2020.

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