'Squash has the credentials to become an Olympic event ... We are working towards this and will keep trying even if our bid is not successful.' - Jahangir Khan, retired squash champion
Squash and the Olympics
Before the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the world's greatest squash player, Jahangir Khan, had high hopes that squash would be included in the line-up for the Games. He was bitterly disappointed when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not include it on the list. Hopes were now pinned on the 2012 Games.
Since Beijing, Khan and other top squash players have lobbied long and hard for their speciality to become an Olympic sport. Back in 2005, the IOC had voted two sports - baseball and softball - off the programme for 2012. Surely this was a golden opportunity for the IOC to recognise the growing popularity of squash.
Another Olympic letdown
The IOC's plans for London 2012 provided a chance for two newcomers to be brought into the Olympic programme. Five sports - squash, golf, rugby sevens, roller sports and karate - were up for consideration. Committee members finally chose squash and karate as potential Olympic sports. Olympic rules and regulations are strict, and a sport has to have the backing of two-thirds of the IOC to be included in the programme.