Men's squash world No 2 Gregory Gaultier is fervently hoping that the racquet game played inside four walls makes entry in the Summer Olympic Games of 2020 in Tokyo to give it the much-needed shot-in-the-arm.
"Being part of Olympics will be biggest boost for our sport. We still have a chance next year when it will be decided (whether to include squash or not) for the 2020 Games. That's (Olympic berth) the only thing missing from our sport," said the four-time World Open finalist here today.
The 32-year-old two-time British and US Open winner was here to play an exhibition game at the Cricket Club of India with India's top squash professional Saurav Ghosal, the world No 21.
"I am hoping squash makes it as an Olympic sport next year for 2020. The new IOC President (Thomas Bach) has said new sports will be introduced. It will give a big boost as the media would be interested more," said Gaultier, a former world No 1 player.
Squash was in the running to make it to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before the IOC members decided to retain the age-old sport of wrestling in a three-way battle for one vacant spot.
Asked whether squash is not a spectator sport which was the reason for it to be repeatedly sidelined by the IOC, Gaultier said the Professional Squash Association has taken steps to take it to a wider audience and it has worked well.
"To be fair the investment PSA did, like asking ex- players to commentate to people who don't know the sport, has improved the situation. The game has also been filmed (televised) from different angles and they have done a good job to show our sport in an improved manner over the last 2-3 years," he remarked.
