What a year has it been for Squash – the sport was finally included in the Olympic Games for 2028 – nevertheless, 2023 has been a defining moment Squash bolds well for 2024 – so what stories have caught our attention?
UK’s first low-cost outdoor squash court in Basingstoke
With all the talk about outdoor Squash provision being one of the most discussed in 2023, in terms of the benefits for Squash players’ performance – it seems the trend is going to become a reality, especially for young people.
In August, The Bounty Squash Club, affiliated with the Basingstoke Sports and Social Club, introduced this innovative initiative, providing a three-quarter-sized outdoor squash court designed primarily for children to learn and enjoy the sport for free.
Led by Simon Ward, a 57-year-old engineer and committed member of Hampshire Junior Squash, oversaw this innovative project and seeks to eliminate obstacles to sports participation, particularly among the younger generation.
Asia Harris and Jonah Bryant win at PSA
Following team success at the U19 European Open England’s Asia and Jonah won at the Harrogate Open on the PSA Challenger Tour – making it both securing their third PSA Tour crowns in the process.
For Asia this accomplishment was a great way for the end of their junior careers in Squash, as come 2024, she will be moving up to the senior level ranks.
Karen Anderson elected to of Pan-American Squash board
Karen Anderson, the two-term president of the Jamaica Squash Association, was recently elected as regional vice-president – Caribbean for the Federation of Pan-American Squash board during a vote in Santiago, Chile, recently.
As a business, we feel that Squash in Jamaica is on the cusp of growing more following Karen’s appointment and reckon it won’t be long before the country hosts a major tournament.
Pakistan celebrates World Junior Squash title win after 37 years
Hamza Khan, 17, wins the title after defeating Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria 3-1 in a thrilling match in Melbourne.
The last time a Pakistani Squash player won a major championship was in 1986 with the legendary Jansher Khan lifted the trophy. Since then, only two Pakistanis have managed to make it to the final, the last in 2008.
Hamza’s accomplishments stand well for his career and we reckon he will win more titles in 2024, along with being a candidate for Pakistan’s Olympic Team in 2028.
Squash veteran ends career with win
An 82-year-old from Letchworth won a veterans tournament at The Ickleford Squash Club, in Hitchin, – and swiftly retired, ensuring he goes out on a high.
Patrick St Leger, who turned 83 last month won in a thrilling final against a 60-year-old at Ickleford Squash Club’s annual Veterans Handicap tournament. Once again, this highlights that our great sport has no age barrier and is good for enhancing your health as you get older.
Jayden George takes charge of Barbados Junior Squash
As a company with roots across the West Indies, we were pleased to hear the news that Jayden George, a 3 times Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) champion, from St Vincent, won two titles at the Barbados Junior Open Squash Championships, held November 30 to December 2, 2023, at the Barbados Squash Club.
Following his success, Jayden went on to compete in the US Open with fellow Vincentians- Jaydon Williams and Nadira Morgan.
Compared to other Caribbean nations, St Vincent grassroots squash is very strong when it comes to developing their junior players – personally, it would be good to see how well the nation fairs in an international tournament against other supernations come 2024
Local Squash courts saved by Green Party alliance
In the past we talked about squash provision being under threat – but when we heard about provision being saved by an unlikely sustainable alliance show the sport has a green appeal.
Sudbury’s solitary squash courts have been revitalized thanks to financial support from local councillors, addressing essential maintenance needs.
The Ormiston Sudbury Academy’s indoor courts on Tudor Road are now available for community use, having undergone comprehensive refurbishments that encompass upgraded floors and markings.
The funding for these improvements was secured by Green Party councillors Jessie Carter and Tim Regester, who represent the Sudbury North West ward on Babergh District Council. Each councillor allocated £500 from their respective locality budgets to the project, aiming to foster robust mental and physical well-being within the community while satisfying the demand for this recreational space.
We applaud both Jessie Carter and Tim Regester for this assistance and shows they care about their community when it comes not only to Squash but community wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
As a company that promotes Squash, we feel that the sport is going to be even greater come 2024, especially when in the lead-up to major tournaments and innovations that will increase participation.
With our partners, well both have done in promoting the sport in their respective countries and we hope to do more for them in 2024 – especially in getting one or more of their players in a position to participate in overseas tournaments.
To sum up, all these stories highlight how great Squash is in terms of community enhancement and representation. Furthermore, shows how the sport is going to become the Olympic Games in 2028.
