All major Squash tournaments are on hold due to the widespread coronavirus epidemic, which has caused only a major halt to a number of sports tournaments; but for Squash this should not be the case, as we reckon technology can be viable a solution despite no crowds.
Compared to other sports that are predominantly outdoors; such as F1, IndyCar, Rugby, and Football, which draw crowds of an average of 100,000 – racquet sports are the only one that is fast-paced and have an indoor viewing option.
Just like Badminton, Squash too takes place solely indoors, also ad-hoc courts can be built and thanks to new technological innovations YouTube Live – tournaments can enable people can watch it live in real-time with no ad breaks.
This will ensure fans alike global can still watch their favourite players in action at PSA-sanctioned tournaments from a device in the comfort of their own home.
Looking at the reminder of the top tier tournaments 2019/2020, there are some that can be streamed online via YouTube live in partnership with PSA and the World Squash Federation.
As for the World Junior Squash Championship taking place in Australia, this can still go ahead providing there are plenty of medical resources in place to ensure the junior players don’t come in contact with anyone – however, in terms of media, this can be shown via free-to-view television channel or live streaming with controlled safeguard measures.
Other key global lower-tier tournaments, like the Bermuda Open, and the Asian Team Squash Championships should continue with no crowds but stream coverage into homes or on television.
With the talk about self-isolation, this should be not the case for Squash, as the top-tier tournaments are not only played indoors with no crowds but are also live streamed in real-time.
This will allow fans to engage like a webinar with commentators and fellow enthusiasts via Periscope – a free social media platform from Twitter.
Support for Pros in high affected countries
Not only have Squash venues suffered during the lockdown, but Squash pros based in countries with a high number of coronavirus cases have also suffered as well – especially with the loss of earnings.
Furthermore, the issue of not being practical with their fellow compatriots is another serious issue.
A suitable solution would be a Squash training hub for players to train and live in before embarking on a major tournament – this would help the mindset of the Squash pro and allow them to continue to play and at least earn some prize money.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the global Squash committees should consider tournaments with no crowds and live to stream them, thus allowing players to engage with their fans during breaks or after matches – in real-time.
Overall, it would a win-win for all stakeholders alike until there is a remedy for the coronavirus outbreak, also it helps keep the interest of Squash going for fans.
