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Squash need not beg to IOC, says El Shorbagy

Dubai - The world number one squash player says that it was time to stop focusing on getting into Olympics

Mohamed El Shorbagy, a superstar in his chosen sport, fiercely loves squash and believes that the game was in a 'good place' and can do without the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition.
"We tried hard (for squash in Olympics) (but) we couldn't get there, may be due to political game," El Shorbagy told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the press conference ahead of the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals.
On the other hand, Nicol David, the eight-time women's world champion, has repeatedly said that she would swap all her world titles for an Olympic gold medal. And, the World Squash Federation (WSF) has been trying hard to get squash as one of the Olympic disciplines but have failed once again for the 2020 Games.
The Alexandria-born world number one squash player is firm in his opinion. "It is time to stop focusing on getting into Olympics,"
"If they (IOC) don't want us then it is up to them, we showed everyone what kind of sport we are," he argued. The genial Egyptian stressed that the physical aspect and the mental side of squash was a perfect definition of how athlete should be.
"Without IOC nod, the sport is in good place on its own," he believes. Justifying his argument, he pointed out that the game had great tours, great athletes - both men and women, good prize money. "We have very strong tour and we play in lots of different countries."
He enthused that squash was in a different league from what it was a few years ago. "We now play at unique venues that no other sport can boast," he claimed, adding that the PSA (Professional Squash Association) events have had venues such as the New York Grand Central Station, by the Pyramids in Egypt, outside Burj Al Khalifa. "I can go on, on and on in naming exciting venues for our events."
There will be a brand new venue - Emirates Golf Club - this time in Dubai and coming back here for the third year in running is like home coming for El Shorbagy. "My cousins live here, I already have family here, so, I am going to get good support in Dubai," he revealed.
"We (Egyptian players) get good support in Dubai and the other Middle Eastern countries," he confessed.
The Egyptians domination in the squash world is such that six of the top ten men are from Egypt. El Shorbagy is modest about the current Egyptian monopoly in the game. "There have been periods when Australians or Pakistanis have dominated the sport, so Egyptian domination could also end one day and some other country could take over."
However, he is proud that top four ranked men's players currently are Egyptians. "I was inspired by Ramy Ashour and I am sure we inspire younger generation in the country to keep the squash legacy," he hoped.
El Shorbagy cites several reasons for his belief that squash was in 'good place' on its own. "Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez became the first South American player to win the British Open and that win will surely inspire kids from Columbia to play squash."
He insisted that the popularity of squash was much better than it was like few years ago. "For me I never bothered about popularity. I love the sport so I played. I didn't play for fame."
He countered a general argument that squash wasn't a television friendly sport. "We are being televised all around the world and we are doing well in TV progress."
sunilvaidya@khaleejtimes.com