Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham has hailed the inclusion of the sport at the European Games in Istanbul next year in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Squash, beach sprint rowing and weightlifting will be newcomers among the total of 26 sports and disciplines at the fourth edition of the European Games, with gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling returning to the programme following their absence from Krakow-Malopolska 2023.
“It has been confirmed that squash is included at the European Games for the first time and it’s fantastic news,” enthused Graham, delighted that the inclusion of squash on Europe’s pathway will be a great showcase for the sport ahead of its Olympic debut at LA28.
“It’s a huge opportunity for our players, who are excelling on the PSA world tour. Our top players are all at or near career-high world rankings, so the opportunity to qualify and participate in the European Olympic Games in Istanbul is going to be very, very exciting for them.
“It’s an opportunity for squash and for our players to be exposed on the world stage next year. The last time the European Games took place was in 2023 in Poland and there were 6,500 athletes there from 48 national Olympic committees.
“It truly is a mega multi-sport event and a great opportunity for our players to represent Ireland, to be part of the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s Team Ireland and wear that jersey with pride.
“We are looking forward to the seeing the qualification criteria. We believe that is going to be announced in the next couple of weeks, but I am sure all of our players are very motivated to ensure that they are going to there to represent Ireland.”
Mihai Covaliu, the European Olympic Council coordination commission chair, said: “Istanbul 2027 will be a key milestone on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
“With 26 sports, including 22 Olympic disciplines, and significant qualification opportunities, the Games will provide Europe’s athletes with a high-level platform to perform and qualify for the Olympic Games.
“The programme reflects our strong cooperation with the international and European federations and our shared ambition to deliver an outstanding edition of the European Games.”
