By Nick Butler
World Squash Federation (WSF) President N Ramachandran has reiterated a commitment to equal prize money as squash's latest bid for Olympic inclusion takes shape.
World Squash Federation (WSF) President N Ramachandran has reiterated a commitment to equal prize money as squash's latest bid for Olympic inclusion takes shape.
Speaking during a busy month which included the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Championships in Doha and the Asian Beach Games in Phuket, where squash was held in a specially constructed glass court on the beach, Ramachandran was confident about the sport's prospects, with gender equality seen a way to demonstrate growth and progress.
"Equal prize money is something which is advocated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," the Indian told insidethegames.
"Equal prize money is something which is advocated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," the Indian told insidethegames.
"The World Tour is actively conserving that and hopefully it will happen.
"It is happening in some events, and will continue to happen."
This comes shortly after a study published by BBC Sport found England's Laura Massaro received £16,300 ($26,000/€20,800) less for winning the world title than male compatriot Nick Matthew did when he won his third world crown in November 2013.
Top female players such as Laura Massaro still earn far less than their male counterparts, but it is hoped this will change soon ©Getty Images
A historic merger between the PSA and the Women's Squash Association has since occurred, with the PSA set to operate as the governing body for both the men's and women's ranks from January 1, 2015.
This should bring more opportunities for equal prize money at events including the World Open, it is hoped.
Despite the ignominy of three failures to be added to the Olympic programme, most recently in 2013 where squash finished third wrestling and baseball/softball in a race for one slot, Ramachandran remains confident in the sport's chances.
He hopes the Olympic Agenda 2020 reform process, due to be completed at the Extraordinary IOC Session in Monte Carlo on December 8 and 9, will lead to a more flexible sports programme.
"It is happening in some events, and will continue to happen."
This comes shortly after a study published by BBC Sport found England's Laura Massaro received £16,300 ($26,000/€20,800) less for winning the world title than male compatriot Nick Matthew did when he won his third world crown in November 2013.
Top female players such as Laura Massaro still earn far less than their male counterparts, but it is hoped this will change soon ©Getty ImagesA historic merger between the PSA and the Women's Squash Association has since occurred, with the PSA set to operate as the governing body for both the men's and women's ranks from January 1, 2015.
This should bring more opportunities for equal prize money at events including the World Open, it is hoped.
Despite the ignominy of three failures to be added to the Olympic programme, most recently in 2013 where squash finished third wrestling and baseball/softball in a race for one slot, Ramachandran remains confident in the sport's chances.
He hopes the Olympic Agenda 2020 reform process, due to be completed at the Extraordinary IOC Session in Monte Carlo on December 8 and 9, will lead to a more flexible sports programme.
"We eagerly await Monte Carlo and we are hopeful that following the changes made there to the sports disciplines, squash should hopefully be at Tokyo 2020," he told insidethegames.
"Squash would only have two events so would not be a huge burden.
"The door is slightly ajar and we hope to get in this time."
Squash action on an innovative glass court at the Asian Beach Games has highlighted the versatility of the sport ©Phuket 2014
Showing how the sport can be easily adapted to new settings and environments has been a key part of squash's strategy.
So the success of the Asian Beach Games, where players from India and Hong Kong took gold on Karon Beach, provided another strong advert, and evidence of the sport's desire to be included on multi-sport programmes.
"It is fantastic," insisted Ramachandran.
"Squash in the Beach Games can never be more spectacular, and it was late at night which is a change from normal routine.
"It shows we can contribute to the ambiance and the legacy of the city."
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]
Related stories
November 2014: Egypt's Ashour beats compatriot in PSA World Championship final
November 2014: India and Hong Kong claim spoils in squash-on-the-beach at Phuket 2014
November 2014: Daniel Etchells: Excellent timing of historic squash merger with Olympic Agenda 2020 on the horizon
October 2014: Men and women to be governed by a single squash body as historic merger announced
October 2013: Squash to challenge for Olympic qualification again for 2024
"Squash would only have two events so would not be a huge burden.
"The door is slightly ajar and we hope to get in this time."
Squash action on an innovative glass court at the Asian Beach Games has highlighted the versatility of the sport ©Phuket 2014Showing how the sport can be easily adapted to new settings and environments has been a key part of squash's strategy.
So the success of the Asian Beach Games, where players from India and Hong Kong took gold on Karon Beach, provided another strong advert, and evidence of the sport's desire to be included on multi-sport programmes.
"It is fantastic," insisted Ramachandran.
"Squash in the Beach Games can never be more spectacular, and it was late at night which is a change from normal routine.
"It shows we can contribute to the ambiance and the legacy of the city."
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]
Related stories
November 2014: Egypt's Ashour beats compatriot in PSA World Championship final
November 2014: India and Hong Kong claim spoils in squash-on-the-beach at Phuket 2014
November 2014: Daniel Etchells: Excellent timing of historic squash merger with Olympic Agenda 2020 on the horizon
October 2014: Men and women to be governed by a single squash body as historic merger announced
October 2013: Squash to challenge for Olympic qualification again for 2024
