LONDON, Aug 27: Attendance at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing has boosted World Squash Federation President Jahangir Khan’s hopes that squash can make its long-awaited debut in the Games in 2016.

Squash is one of seven sports short-listed by the IOC for possible addition to the 2016 Games programme - the decision for which will be made at the IOC session in Copenhagen in October 2009.

Joined in Beijing by WSF Patron HRH Tunku Imran, the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and an IOC Member, and WSF Emeritus President Susie Simcock, Khan was able to meet and receive feedback and helpful advice from many IOC members present. According to WSF media release, in addition to meeting senior officials of the Chinese Squash Federation, the party also met with IOC Sports department representatives to clarify the process leading up to the selection of sports for the 2016 Olympic programme.

The WSF delegates also met members of the international press in Beijing, which provided numerous opportunities to convey the sport’s strong credentials for Olympic inclusion.

Furthermore, Jahangir Khan joined representatives of other 2016 short-listed sports on an “Around the Rings News Maker” breakfast panel session, which resulted in significant worldwide publicity for the Squash bid. “Squash is a truly global sport - indeed the top six teams in last year’s World Men’s Championships covered the five continents - and Olympic success would be the ultimate goal for all our athletes,” said Jahangir, the record ten-time British Open champion and six-time World Open champion who is widely regarded as the greatest squash player of all-time.

“We were most grateful to the IOC for receiving accreditation to attend the magnificently-hosted Olympics in Beijing, giving us the chance to observe and enjoy the presentation of the many excellent sports on the Olympic programme.

“As a result of my wonderful experience in Beijing, I am committed to working even harder on behalf of our athletes to convince IOC decision-makers that squash will add value and should be included to the Olympic programme in 2016. I am more optimistic than ever before that our Olympic dreams can be realised.” —APP