Cricket Star Backs Squash Bid
World record-breaking cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan has offered his support to squash’s bid to join the Olympic programme.
At the Opening Dinner of the Asian Junior Squash Championships in Colombo, the Sri Lanka star – who has taken 800 Test wickets and over 500 in One Day internationals – was presenting a Friend of Sri Lankan Squash award to IndianWorld Squash Federation President Mr N Ramachandran.
“I’ve played squash and was particularly impressed with just how hard it is physically – the top athletes must be super-fit,” said Muralitharan. “Perhaps I might give it a go when I finally retire from cricket in order to stay fit myself!
“I’m told my wrist action might make me a very difficult player to read on court!
“I’m very happy to be linked with the bid by such a fine sport to gain a place as a summer Olympics medal sport,” concluded the revered cricketer.
Thanking him, Mr Ramachandran responded: “Both our sports have World Cups beginning shortly, and while we look forward to looking out for your results and you keep an eye on the Sri Lankan team effort in ours, we are grateful that we can all look towards the biggest possible prize for any squash player, participation in the Olympic Games.”