The Olympic-seal of approval is enough to turn any sport from a backyard commodity to an international conglomerate.
Induction into an Olympic Games means national support, it means growth, it means money.
The lineup of sports from here to what was formerly known as the planet Pluto, and back, would love nothing more than a spot on the roster.
In July, the IOC announced eight sports, one of which will get a spot at the 2020 Olympic Games. The sports up for consideration are the recently dismissed baseball and softball, the formerly denied squash, karate, and roller sports, and newcomers wakeboard, the martial art of wushu, and sports climbing.
The Courier recently wrapped its series that looked at the weight of these sports and what it would be mean for Vancouvers athletes if their sport made it into the Olympics.
After a months worth of deliberation, Im going to my bookie with squash.
Some squash professionals in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»disagree. Blame it on politics, on finances, what have you. Understandable, squash has tried many times, and to no avail. Shot at 2012bust. Shot at 2016bust.
Heres why theyre going to get it this time: persistence is alluring to the IOC, and squash now has the experience necessary in delivering a successful bid.
The World Squash Federation recently hired the communications firm that helped rugby sevens get into the 2016 Games. This firm is also the very same one that helped London, Rio de Janeiro, and Pyeongchang, South Korea, win its Games.
Thats one nice track record.
The Olympics are the big-boys of sports. This isnt backyard bocce. This isnt badminton in the park. In order to get into the Olympics, deliberated stepsand fundsare necessary for the kill.
Of the eight sports, squash is currently the only one hitting all marks.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»squash players, get in the court and make it your new home. You may just have a shot at Olympic glory.
Kimiya Shokoohi
Twitter: @kimiyasho
