"With individuals and companies expressing an interest in playing a part in supporting our Olympic campaign, we felt now was the right time to provide an opportunity for them to do so through Back the Bid 2020," said WSF President N Ramachandran.

"I have been struck during the years of my presidency [by] what an enormous reservoir of goodwill there is for our sport, especially from our huge playing community across the world.

"They all are keenly interested in where squash is and what we are trying to achieve - and I'm often asked 'how might I help?'.

"Back the Bid 2020 is designed to provide exactly that opportunity.

"Inclusion in the Olympic Games would be a huge opportunity for squash, especially for youngsters who will come into the sport - and the feedback we have had from fans worldwide since launching our 2020 Olympic campaign in July has been phenomenal.

"Many just want to play their part and 'Back the Bid 2020' will enable them to do so."

That will come as good news to, among others, Britain's world number four player James Willstrop (pictured), who said in August that he was losing faith with his sport's chances of being included in the Olympics when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces its decision on new sports for 2020 at its annual Session in Buenos Aires in September 2013.

Squash will by vying against karate, baseball, roller sports, softball, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu.

"All I know is that we have a great sport and it deserves to have its place in the Games," said Willstrop.

"We cover all the Olympic ethos and it seems to be tailor made for the Games.

"No one can understand why it's not in but when you're up against baseball and softball it will be tough.

"They are American sports and have money.

"They will be encouraged by the fact that thousands will watch those two sports, the same reasons why golf received Olympic status for 2016.

"It is ridiculous.

"So why am I going to pretend to say that we still have a chance when you have sports like that getting ahead of squash?

"I find it hard to see what attributes it is that the IOC is looking for that we don't have.

"Squash is a sport where it is not just about skill, or agility and speed, or endurance, but it's a mix of all of them.

"And in that respect I think it is ideal for the Olympics.

"It's played worldwide - we have more than 100 countries affiliated to the international federation.

"It's far more accessible than golf, and in terms of legacy, it is a lot more of a down-to-earth sport.

"And yet we are the only racket sport yet to gain Olympic status.

"It seems to me to be quite money-driven."

Everyone who contributes to the "Back the Bid 2020" campaign will automatically become a "Friend of World Squash", the ongoing linked WSF programme.

For further details of "Back the Bid 2020", click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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