Tokyo 2020's Organising Committee, which rejected squash as part of its programme, now says it is ready to showcase the sport ©Getty Images

Squash, which has failed in three consecutive bids since 2005 to become part of the Olympic programme, now looks likely to be “showcased” at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

In the January/February issue of the World Squash Federation’s (WSF) newsletter, President N Ramachandran wrote that he had received positive indications during recent discussions with key International Olympic Committee (IOC) members. 

The sport could feature in the Japanese capital as part of a Sports lab of non-Olympic sports, such as the one at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics where disciplines such as skateboarding were demonstrated. 

“Recently, at a meeting in Lausanne with the IOC President Dr Thomas Bach, IOC Director General Mr. Christophe De Kepper, the Sports Director Mr Kit McConnell and others, the following points emerged from the discussions," Ramachandran said.

 “While squash was not proposed by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, it was made clear that there may be showcasing opportunities available to squash at these Olympic Games.

“The IOC’s Agenda 2020 also has highlighted the importance to have a Sports lab at the Olympic Games.

“Once the IOC completes their review and takes a decision related to the proposed additional events, which will be done at the 2016 IOC Session, they will move forward with detailed planning for additional showcasing and promotional opportunities.

 “The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has confirmed that they would appreciate having the chance to discuss these with squash.”

World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran, described by the Professional Squash Association as 'an embarrassment to the sport' following September's rejection by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, has told members the sport looks likely to be 'showcased' at the 2020 Games ©Getty Images
World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran, described by the Professional Squash Association as 'an embarrassment to the sport' following September's rejection by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, has told members the sport looks likely to be 'showcased' at the 2020 Games ©Getty Images

Ramachandran quoted an extract from a letter sent to him by McConnell on December 18, 2015 “to illustrate how the IOC views us”.

“Rami please be assured of the value the IOC places on the relationship with World Squash and the strength of our partnership for the development of your sport and your athletes,” McConnell wrote.

“We greatly look forward to the possibility of exploring the opportunities outlined above for the global promotion of your sport, the reiteration of the importance of squash within the Olympic Movement and the showcasing of your athletes.”

Ramachandran added: “The IOC has also stated that it is equally likely there will be showcasing opportunities available at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

“This has been discussed with the Organising Committee of these Games who are also keen to work with the IOC and the WSF.

“The strategic review of the Youth Olympic Games was outlined in IOC Agenda 2020 Recommendation No.25, wherein it said that changes to the composition of the programme of the Youth Olympic Games would also be decided at the 2016 IOC Session.

“Once this is done, the IOC have stated that they would like to explore this opportunity with the World Squash Federation.”

Ramachandran has been under increasing pressure since September last year, when  squash was one of three nominated sports not to be recommended by Tokyo 2020’s Additional Events Programme Panel along with bowling and wushu.

A Sport lab was held at the Nanjing Youth Olympics in 2014
A Sports lab was held at the Nanjing Youth Olympics in 2014 ©Getty Images

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) launched a scathing attack on the WSF, describing Ramachandran – who has also been much criticised in his role as President of the Indian Olympic Association – as an "embarrassment to the sport" and blaming the world governing body for the repeated failure to secure inclusion on the Olympic programme.

A coalition of National Federations subsequently proposed the formation of a Task Force in partnership with the PSA which would promote the sport independent of the WSF.

Baseball and softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing were the five put forward for consideration by the IOC ahead of a final decision at this summer's IOC Session in Olympic host Rio de Janeiro.

Squash’s aspirations for London 2012 were ended when the sport lost out on a "voting technicality" - Ramachandran claims - and four years later it narrowly lost out to rugby sevens and golf for inclusion at Rio 2016.

The "technicality" came at the IOC Session in Singapore in 2005, when a two-thirds majority was needed for inclusion rather than a simple majority, something both squash and karate failed to secure.

In 2013, it was shortlisted as a "new" sport ahead of rock climbing, karate and roller sports, before being "side-lined", in the words of Ramachandran, when the IOC reintroduced the previously axed wrestling for Tokyo 2020.