Games will be played from sunset, meaning spectacular backdrops are certain when the Thai island hosts the Games in November.

Squash was given the nod by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to take part in the fourth Asian Beach Games.

"The Asian Beach Games features a great selection of exciting and colourful sports, and we are delighted that OCA see that our versatility and vibrancy can be a genuine addition to the programme," said World Squash Federation President Narayana Ramachandran.

"We are very grateful to OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and H.E. Kanokphand Chulakasem, Governor of Sports Authority of Thailand, whose vision has made our inclusion possible."

Egypt's famous pyramids of Giza have previously provided the backdrop for squash as part of the sport's aim to widen its appeal ©AFP/Getty Images



He added: "One key facet of our case towards securing a place in the Olympic Games has been that squash has a great ability to use many types of arena and showcase the host city.

"And squash on the beach really highlights this!"

Innovations to the sport including all-glass courts and changes to the scoring system were made as part of the effort to make it more attractive in the race to be added to the programme for the 2020 Olympics.

That bid was ultimately unsuccessful, with wrestling being added to the programme months after being removed by the International Olympic Committee.

Sixteen players will contest each of the men's and women's events.

A maximum of two players from any one nation can be entered into the competition.

The 2014 Asian Beach Games, featuring 153 events in 17 sports, are due open on November 14 and close on November 23.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2013: Exclusive - World Beach Games to be launched in 2015 by SportAccord and ANOC
May 2012: Changes make squash more attractive to Olympics, President claims