Akanksha keen on Olympics 2028 as squash set to debut

Vasco: The squash fraternity is celebrating the inclusion of the sport at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

For several years, the World Squash Federation (WSF) tried to force the sport’s inclusion at the Olympics, the world’s greatest sporting spectacle. And now that a formal announcement has been made, players like Akanksha Salunkhe -- based in the United States for the last six years – are dreaming big.

“Olympics is a dream but there are many seasons and tournaments before that. Every squash player dreams of being at the Olympics and participating because it has never been an Olympic sport,” Akanksha told TOI after clinching the gold medal at the 37th National Games in Chicalim on Sunday.

Akanksha is currently world number 73 and her target is to enter the top 50 by end of the season. She is training with coaches Robert McDavid and Adham Madi in the US.

Akansha is among the top three in the country but was named as a reserve for the Indian team that took part in the 2022 Asian Games recently in China.

“Definitely keen on playing in the Olympics. I am motivated, going to work hard, and it's going to be at the right time when I am able to play it,” she said.

A young Pooja Arthi from Tamil Nadu, who lost to Akanksha in the final, shares the same dream.

“We were waiting for squash to get into the Olympics so that we can represent India and win medals,” said Pooja.

Along with squash, lacrosse, flag football and baseball-softball will also feature at the LA Games.
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