27 July 2012

If Squash Was in The Olympics

Not all Olympics sports appear to be fashionably popular across the world. So, why are some sports events selected for Olympics and some aren't. Is Olympics Games meant to only showcase sports that  can be viewed by a massive audience? What are the limitations behind their selectivity process? Some events cannot even realistically be classed as sports because they provide for no real mental or physical exertion. Take for example, archery and shooting, in what form do they provide for a mental and physical exertion? They more like darts and snooker, a bit like what I would call pub games, standing in one place and trying to find something else to do other then watching football on TV or talking to girls while still making sure one is is close to his/her pint. Even weightlifting, what is so sporty about the whole idea of making oneself more muscular and able to lift weights. For me gym, is not exactly like sports. It is something one does as part of preparation for sports to get in shape so to speak. Even events like BMX, they not really qualified to be in Olympics category. BMX just like skateboarding has always been more of a social sport, teenagers getting together to find something to do between home and school to avoid getting into trouble. I often wonder why Squash is not part of the Olympics. Squash is a fast sport, makes you run, stretch, mentally plan shots, and it also hurts really bad when one gets hit by the ball from an opponent at back. It is one of the very few games that you can play to build your stamina, get in shape, and burn heaps and heaps of calories. It is also one of the best games to keep your heart in shape and yet exerts a lot of effort across your legs and back and arms. Almost every part of the body gets used even the brain. Squash is a mix between racquetball and tennis. Squash also one of the very few sports that can be played in almost any poor country in world with even makeshift walls. As all you really need is four walls and a tin at the lower end of the front wall. Also, rubber is available almost every where in form of reusable condoms and tires, going further even through hides from farming animals. Is it any wonder why some of the very best, Squash players appear to have an Asian background. Perhaps, the western world does not seem to appreciate the sport as much as the Asian subcontinent. Or, perhaps, it is down to their dominance. Further, it could all be just to do with fact that the sport has a very limited view for a spectator to watch making it difficult to sell tickets. Nevertheless, I feel a sport in Olympics should really be one that not only stretches an athlete mentally but as well as physically. And, Squash excel in both areas. Squash is even a non-sexist sport in that respect making it equally accessible for both men and women. It is quite surprising that women can take up swimming but they don't bother to take so much as a chance to explore Squash. I would have thought if a woman did her swimming every week and squash every other day of the week, then  there would be no need for diets. In fact, most active Squash players prefer to attend the gym first, play Squash then swim or a similar combination. Even adding a run, jog, or cycling there would not be unthinkable. Possibly, be one of the most healthy ways of keeping fit. I am hoping one day Squash will qualify for the Olympics. The sport could use more awareness and more people willing to take it up as an active sporting and social activity. It is surprising how Tennis seems to be so much more popular then Squash. Even though, someone who plays Squash can easily increase their game play in Tennis. However, the same does not hold the other way. It is really only for time to tell when such an awesome sporting activity like Squash will truly find its place in the Olympics.