Rogge Said Discarded Sports Should Analyze Bids – Squash Disappointed

While two sports made it to the shortlist as candidates for inclusions in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, baseball, karate, roller sports, softball and squash were left on the sidelines.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said, "I understand their disappointment, but in sport there are winners and runners-up. They should think quietly and analyze why there were not selected and have another go. The essence of a competitor is to fall, get up and have another go", reports the Telegraph.

World Squash Federation president N Ramachandran said, "I believe that squash has come a long way in the last four years, not just in order to try and gain Olympic inclusion but for the benefit of the sport as a whole. We have invested in developments and listened to players at all levels in order to help progress the sport. I speak for the whole sport when I say that we are hugely disappointed".

He added, "....we will not give up on the belief that squash is deserving of, and ready for, Olympic status".

Zena Wooldridge, chairman of England Squash and Racketball said, "by choosing two commercially visible sports, the IOC has sent a message about the direction of the Olympics.

"We know just how difficult it is when you are outside the tent to get in. This decision, more than any other, suggests that sports like squash will never have a chance".

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