2028 Olympics debut for squash is incentive for Hong Kong players to raise their game, departing coach says
Squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics offers encouragement to Hongkongers, the city’s outgoing women’s coach has said as she urged players to raise their game to ensure they join the party.
As the Hong Kong Squash Championships wrapped up on Saturday with Alex Lau Tsz-kwan and Lee Ka-yi being crowned men’s and women’s champions respectively, coach Rebecca Chiu Wing-yin urged all of those involved to “work harder” in case world rankings are used to determine places in Los Angeles.
“The timing is good because players have five years to prepare for it,” Chiu said. “But we don’t know the criteria for allocations yet. Is it by region or world rankings?
“So to try improving on their rankings would be a wise move, because that will surely give them a bigger chance to play at the Games.”
Chiu, who won Asian Games gold in Busan in 2002, said making squash a medal event in the global version was “massive”.
“For any athlete, the Olympics represent the biggest stage of all,” the 44-year-old said. “We do have the Commonwealth Games and World Championships too, but the Olympics remain the most special multisport major Games.”
After Chiu broke the news of her departure to her players towards the end of the Asiad in Hangzhou earlier this month, Lee said she was glad to win a tournament before her mentor leaves the sport.
“She has been my coach since I turned full-time nine years ago – she watched me grow all these years,” Lee said after defeating Tomato Ho Tze-lok 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9 in the women’s final at Hong Kong Squash Centre.
Hong Kong pair hail ‘unreal’ decision to include squash in 2028 LA Olympics
Hong Kong pair hail ‘unreal’ decision to include squash in 2028 LA Olympics
“This is the first tournament I am playing without her [because Chiu is on leave], but I felt I grew up and learned how to take care of myself.
“To triumph in the last tournament when she’s still around, it really means something.”
Top seed and Hong Kong No 1 Lau defend his men’s title, easing past second seed Henry Leung Chi-hin 11-9, 11-7, 11-7 in a rematch of last year’s final.
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