Alison believes squash's route to Olympics is through Dubai

Former world No.3 England's Alison Waters has joined the growing list of players in calling for the inclusion of squash at the Olympics and believes that the PSA Dubai World Series Finals in Dubai will strengthen the sport's bid.

The World Squash Federation (WSF) has been unsuccessful in convincing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) thrice, with the latest it being excluded from the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Twenty-eight sports were played out at the Rio Olympics with golf and the abridged version of rugby making a return.

But squash continues to be ignored and given the cold shoulder because they feel it is not tailor-made for television and various other factors.

The WSF has not given up though and are bidding to join the Olympic family for the 2024 Games. And Waters believes that events like the ongoing PSA Dubai World Series Finals at the spectacular Dubai Opera will strengthen the sport's chances.

"Definitely," Alison said on Thursday, when asked if playing in Dubai will help squash make it to the Olympics.

"The more we can play in iconic venues like this, it is a great venue here so, it just shows sort of how accessible squash is and how easy it is just to put a court up wherever you want, really. So, I think that plays into our favour. And if we can get more people watching and supporting and spreading the word about how great squash is and then we have got a good chance," she added.

Alison said that squash joining landmark events in the UAE, will add value to the sport.

"Obviously, we have the Rugby Sevens here and the Formula One so squash obviously added to that list is really good and hopefully we can sort of hopefully keep pushing on and then get that dream (of joining the Olympics)," Alison said.

The 33-year-old, a veteran of 400 matches on the PSA World Tour, since turning pro in 2000, felt that squash was in good space at the moment compared to before and said that it can only get better and better.

"I don't know sort of what goes on, the politics behind it but I do know that everyone in squash is working hard towards the goal of getting into the Olympics. And now we have become much more easier to watch, we have got live streaming, we are live to BT Sport. So, I think now we are in a beautiful place and we can go to the IOC and say, 'Look, now look at our sport now. Maybe a few years ago, we weren't in as good a position as we are now," said the Commonwealth Games silver medallist and bronze medallist in the mixed doubles and women's doubles respectively in Glasgow in 2014.

Alison did say though that there would be no regrets if squash didn't make it.

"We are still growing as a sport and all we can do is do our best and if they (IOC) can see that, then great. If not, then we will carry on. We still have an amazing tour and amazing tournaments like this, so, we are still strong without it," she said.

Previously, players like eight-time women's world champion Malaysia's Nicol David and England's James Willstrop too have urged for the sport to be included at the Olympics.

Source: Khaleej Times