Squash set for sweeping changes as WSF and PSA join hands

Bengaluru, September 12: Sqaush, which is eyeing Olympic berth is in for a major overhaul after the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the two bodies work in unison towards achieving a joint vision for the future of the sport on a global scale.

Following a series of meetings between the WSF President Jacques Fontaine and Chief Executive Andrew Shelley, and the PSA, led by Chief Executive Alex Gough, both organisations have agreed to tackle the sport's future in a united and cohesive manner - by means of a unity that will lead to greater support for and interaction between all levels of the sport.

Squash getting close to realising Olympic dreams

Central to the partnership will be the development of a global strategy, focusing on objectives such as, securing a place on the Olympic Games programme; maintaining squash's presence on other international multi-sport games programmes; growing participation levels around the world; and encouraging the development of court facilities in conjunction with centres, local associations and national federations.

"We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the PSA which we have now signed, that will see both organisations work side-by-side throughout the coming years to help squash achieve greater visibility and profile around the world. This was a key objective for me since my election as WSF President last November," said Fontaine.

"It is vital for the future of the sport that the governing body of the professional game and the international federation representing the nations and their players, coaches and referees, work in unison towards joint objectives that will ultimately help ensure squash continues to expand its global profile. The ability to plan for our future together, developing clear roles and responsibilities for the PSA, WSF and other key stakeholders within the sport, is an exciting moment for squash and we look forward to a very bright future working together."

Gough said: "Our ambition, aligned with that of the WSF, is to create a more stable and successful platform from which to market squash around the world.

"Creating a unified refereeing structure, expanding squash's commercial profile and improving working relationships with all stakeholders are key to the future success of squash and we are pleased to begin a new working relationship with the WSF.

"The Professional Tour has made enormous strides in recent years and we hope to continue that growth, while at the same time helping grow the sport at a grass roots level. We have been hugely encouraged in all our conversations with the WSF and are excited to begin a new era of greater cohesion."