Laura Massaro became British national champion for the first time in 2011

British squash champion Laura Massaro says it is a massive disappointment that her sport will not be involved in the next two Olympic Games.

Despite being a Commonwealth Games event, squash will not be played at London 2012 or Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Massaro told BBC Radio Lancashire: "We've tried numerous times to get in.

"All of the racquet sports are in. Tennis, badminton and table tennis. But we've lost out for 2016 to rugby sevens and golf. It's tough," she added.

"They've got the names, the players, the publicity and the sponsorship.

"They've got everything and maybe that is what squash is lacking at the minute.

"It's disappointing to see sports where it's not the biggest thing they can win.

"For squash it would be. We'll carry on trying and hopefully get in one day."

The 27-year-old ranked number seven in the world has had a fine start to 2011 winning a tour event in Cleveland, Ohio as well as the clinching the British Championships in Manchester.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version