Whenever you think about the popularity of Squash in Asia, you have to look at the rich history of the players who have the major Squash tournaments on the professional circuit.
However, the popularity of the sport could be down to the Asian Games, ironically this year is the 20th anniversary since Squash made its debut and inclusion in the Olympic-style continental tournament.
For some Squash fans, this anniversary is going to be seen as a key milestone as in a month’s time, the sport will be showcased at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aries, Argentina.
When Squash and Asia Games come together
It was at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok when Squash first received its inclusion in a major multi-event sporting tournament.
By that time Squash had a number of stars from Asia countries — the most notable being Malaysia and Pakistan — two of Asia’s Squash powerhouses; even to this day the countries still compete for bragging rights of the Asian Games in Squash.
The inaugural champions were Zarak Jahan Khan (Pakistan) in the men’s competition and a young Nicol David (Malaysia) – who at 15 years old won the women’s competition!
Other competing Asian nations, which have taken part and still do, are China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The team’s competition did not feature in the games until 2010 with Pakistan as the men’s team winners category – ironically Malaysia is the only country in Asia to win both the men’s and women’s team competition.
20th anniversary, record title for Nicol David
This year’s tournament was won by Leo Au (Hong Kong) in the men’s competition and the winner of the women’s competition – once again Nicol David won 20 years after her first Asian Games Squash championship title – her fifth title, which is more than the men’s category.
Squash Champs: Leo Au and Nicol David (Credit: World Squash)
The team’s competition was won by Hong Kong, which was their first team title in the women’s competition – it could have been a triple success but the men’s team lost out to Malaysia.
David, Khan named as Squash’s G.O.A.T
Throughout the summer, the Professional Squash Association did a poll of who is the greatest Squash player of all time; in which fans were asked to vote for their favourite Squash players of all time both Nicol David and Jahangir Khan were voted as the greatest Squash players of all time.
Squash Greats – Jahangir Khan and Nicol David (Credit: Professional Squash Association)
Click here for the story on a fitting tribute to Asian Squash and an inspiration to other players from other countries.
A strong legacy for future Squash players from Asia
If there was an Asian country looking to host the next Olympic Games, it would easily gain the full backing of the continent as the strong history of great Squash players.
Without sounding too political should an Asian country make a bid to host a future Olympic Games event (more likely Malaysia) that could see a fight for Squash inclusion result in a win, why? Nicol David would lead the charge with support her former rival backing her.
The achievements of Squash players in Asia are legendary, with the likes of Pakistan and Malaysia leading the way with most world champions in individual and team competitions. In addition, the major Squash tournaments held in Asia are set against the backdrop of some eye-catching landscapes – the most exceptional being the Hong Kong Squash Open.
Final Thoughts
Overall looking forward to Squash in Asia, the future looks great as the number of opportunities for young people in Asia is enormous, as there are a lot of grassroots programmes across Asia looking for the next crop of players and the SquashFORWARD initiative is going to make a difference too in boosting participation.
