Following our blog on university squash competition, there is one tournament that many do not know about; the World University Squash Championships.
Looking at the major Squash tournaments that place every year, the World University Squash Championship is overlooked.
The FISU World University Championship has been going since 1996, as a part of the FISU the tournament attracts students from the most prestigious universities in the world to participate in a mini Squash World Cup competition, which students can enter via their National University Sports Federation.
This year’s tournament is taking place in September at the University of Birmingham, thus once again the West Midlands is going to build up their success of hosting the British Junior Squash Open held earlier this year and a sample of what the Birmingham Squash faithful can look forward to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Launchpad to pro status
The first World University Squash Championship was held in the Netherlands, from which Paul Conolly (Brazil) and Kim Hannies (Belgium) winners of the respective men’s and women’s titles, with Great Britain, winning the inaugural team’s championship and are the leading team with 21 medals from the tournament, followed by Egypt and France.
INTERESTING FACT: Previous winners of the University World Squash Championships are Ramy Ashour (Egypt), Chris Ryder (England), Jenny Tranfield (England), and Kim Hannies (Belgium).
Watch below highlights from the Men’s Individual Final – 9th World University Squash Championship 2016 – Kuala Lumpur
Watch below the Individual Women’s final – 9th World University Squash Championship 2016 – Kuala Lumpur
(Source: FISU YouTube)
If you look at US College Football, both league events and varsity tournaments get extensive coverage; also, there is even mention of the standout players, who are potential NFL stars, which scouts should look to sign up.
Despite the successes of participants going on to become world champions and world number 1s, there is no major coverage of this tournament, which is a shame as it could be the solution to prevent junior squash players to be inspired by the competitors.
Collaborative Advantage amongst Squash bodies
You would think now, that global governing Squash bodies would collaborate to form a scheme to promote the tournament? NO!!
For the likes of England Squash, US Squash, and Malaysian Squash governing bodies to sit down with the professional Squash Association and come up with a blueprint plan to make the tournament a part of Squash’s premier competitions like the World Finals.
In the interest of growing participation, the tournament has the making to encourage young people from the grassroots community to make use of their Squash skills and ability to apply for a scholarship with the opportunity to represent their university at a major global sports competition, other than a BUSA league match on a Wednesday afternoon and inter-university tournaments.
For the future of Squash, let’s make it happen.
To conclude, like any grassroots sport money is going to be a factor – with a tournament like the University world Squash Championship could attract major backing from sports manufacturers companies and investment banks; as it would provide great opportunities for the participants for employment upon graduation.
Squash is rapidly becoming popular again with the likes of outdoor Squash and interactive Squash; thus, it would make common sense (as well as marketability) to promote a major event that can be the launchpad for any young players from the grassroots to become professional.
Overall, the sport is doing well, and let’s hope it continues with more media coverage of key tournaments for the next generation.
