The move is the initiative of WSF President, N Ramachandran.

"Since becoming President of the World Squash Federation, I have visited Lausanne on many occasions," he said.

"However, given our campaign for squash to become part of the Olympic sports programme, it now makes sense for the WSF to have a base alongside so many of our colleagues in the Olympic Movement."

Strategically positioned on the Avenue de Rhodanie, by the shores of Lake Geneva, the Maison Du Sport International is home to several international federations, including archery, badminton, bobsleigh, boxing, rowing and taekwondo. 

"Representatives of WSF and the wider squash family will be spending an increasing amount of time in Lausanne over the next two years as we step up our campaign for Olympic inclusion," said Ramachandran.

"Thanks to provisions made by the City, Canton and IOC, we will now have an office that will make it much easier to reach out to the Olympic family.

"This is an important step for squash and one which further demonstrates our commitment to becoming part of the Olympic sports programme from 2020."

It is the latest move by the sport to try to help its bid.

Squash, which failed in previous efforts to be included in London 2012 and Rio 2016, is one of eight sports shortlisted by the IOC for inclusion in 2020 and has already hired Mike Lee's company, Vero Communications, to help it.

Squash will be up against baseball, karate, roller sports, softball, sports climbing, wakeboard and wushu for the one place that will be available for 2020.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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