Phuket Island to stage amazing squash on the beach spectacle
Squash is heading for yet another exotic setting…one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The fourth Asian Beach Games, which will take place on Phuket Island in Thailand in November this year, will boast an exciting new spectacle, an all-glass squash showcourt.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has added Squash to the programme for the first time, with individual singles events taking place from 11-16 November. Each draw will feature 16 of the best players from the region – with best-of-three game matches, played from sunset.
Welcoming the initiative, World Squash Federation (WSF) President N. Ramachandran said: “The Asian Beach Games features a great selection of exciting and colourful sports, and we are delighted that OCA see that our versatility and vibrancy can be a genuine addition to the Programme.
“We are very grateful to OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and H.E. Kanokphand Chulakasem, Governor of Sports Authority of Thailand, whose vision has made our inclusion possible.
“One key facet of our case towards securing a place in the Olympic Games has been that squash has a great ability to use many types of arena and showcase the host city,” added Ramachandran. “And squash on the beach really highlights this!”
The Games, which feature many sports that take place on the beach or in the water, will see a number of countries competing in Squash, as the maximum of two players per nation in each event will ensure breadth.