Squash is poised for a historic breakthrough as it prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s global expansion. After years of persistent advocacy by the World Squash Federation (WSF), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially included squash in the Olympic program for LA28, recognizing its growing popularity and competitive depth across five continents.
The journey to Olympic recognition has been a long and determined effort. Squash first applied for Olympic inclusion in 2005, facing multiple setbacks before finally securing its place in 2023 when the IOC approved the LA28 sports program. This decision reflects the sport’s successful development initiatives, including increased participation rates, enhanced broadcast capabilities, and stronger grassroots engagement worldwide.
Global participation in squash has seen substantial growth in recent years. According to the WSF, over 20 million people now play squash regularly in more than 185 countries, with particularly strong growth in emerging markets across Asia and Africa. The sport’s accessibility—requiring minimal equipment and adaptable to various spaces—has contributed to its appeal in urban environments and educational institutions.
Technical and competitive standards have also evolved significantly. The WSF has implemented world-class ranking systems, standardized court specifications, and professional tournament circuits that attract top athletes from diverse backgrounds. The PSA World Tour, the sport’s premier professional series, features events in over 30 countries annually, showcasing the highest level of competitive squash to global audiences.
Youth development programs have played a crucial role in the sport’s expansion. Initiatives like the WSF’s “Squash in Schools” program have introduced the sport to hundreds of thousands of students, while national federations report increasing junior participation rates. These efforts aim to build a sustainable pipeline of talent for future Olympic competitions.
The Olympic inclusion presents both opportunities and challenges for squash. Organizers will need to adapt court facilities to meet Olympic standards while maintaining the sport’s intimate spectator experience. Broadcasting innovations, including enhanced camera angles and real-time analytics, are being developed to showcase squash’s speed, strategy, and athleticism to new audiences.
As Los Angeles 2028 approaches, squash stands ready to demonstrate its value on the world’s biggest sporting stage. The sport’s journey from grassroots courts to Olympic recognition embodies the perseverance of its global community and promises to inspire a new generation of players and fans worldwide.
The next major milestone in squash’s Olympic journey will be the official qualification process for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, which will begin in 2027. Fans and players alike can follow developments through the World Squash Federation’s official channels and the IOC’s Olympic Games website.
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