Squash in Austria: A comeback with an Olympic dream!

Squash in Austria: A comeback with an Olympic dream!

The sport of squash in Austria is experiencing an unexpected renaissance after experiencing considerable difficulties in recent decades. The boom in the 1980s was replaced by a drastic decline in the late 1990s, which resulted in many squash courts being converted into gyms. ÖSRV President Thomas Wachter reports that the number of squash courts in Graz has fallen from almost 100 to just three. This lack of infrastructure has also had a negative impact on the international presence of Austrian players.

In the last 15 years, AQeel Rehman and Birgit Coufal have been highlighted as the only top players in Austrian squash. But there are signs of a small revival in the sport, particularly with promising talents Jacqueline Peychär and Daniel Lutz. National coach Heribert Monschein is optimistic and sees potential for both players in the top 50 in the world rankings. Peychär, who has been a full-time squash professional since July 2022, previously worked as a physical therapist and reports improved time management and less stress as a professional.

Dream of the Olympics

Although Peychär has difficulty converting her training achievements into competitions, she is nevertheless preparing for the World Games in Chengdu together with Lutz. Daniel Lutz, who is in his high school year, plans to start as a professional after the army. At the U19 European Championships in Prague he came ninth and is considered the greatest domestic talent in squash. Both players dream of taking part in the Olympics, especially since squash will be represented at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles for the first time in 2028.

However, the decision to include squash in the Olympic Games program was not taken lightly. The sport will debut at the 2028 Games as it was selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), having previously overcome several challenges. Logistical difficulties and competition with other sports played a role in the vote. After four attempts to gain Olympic status, the IOC approved it under certain criteria, showing that popularity and engagement with the sport has increased.

Global dominance in squash

Egypt has played a dominant role in the global squash scene in recent years. Players like Nour El Sherbini have shaped the women's field with seven world championship titles and various finals. In the men's category, the Egyptians top the rankings, with Ali Farag at the top, who has won four world titles. Peru's Diego Elias is seen as the biggest threat to Egyptian dominance in the future.

The trends in international squash and the upcoming Olympic Games could also have an impact on Austrian sport. The successes and increasing popularity of squash could help improve the infrastructure in Austria and promote more young talent.

Peychär is particularly looking forward to the Sport Austria Finals in Innsbruck, where she has the chance to play in her home country. The next few years could be crucial for the future of squash in Austria and beyond.

So reported Laola1 that the return of squash in Austria and its simultaneous inclusion in the Olympic Games make it an exciting time for the sport. Also NBC highlights that the inclusion of squash in the Olympic Games competition is a significant development for the sport. Provide further insights into the future development of squash sport Olympics.com, which show the progress and challenges of the sport in an international comparison and illuminate the prospects for emerging talents like Peychär and Lutz.