Sports

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Federer backs squash for 2020 Games inclusion


ROTTERDAM (Reuters) - As arguably the greatest ever tennis player, Roger Federer is urging Olympic officials to back another racket sport by including squash in the programme for the 2020 Games.

The 17-times grand slam champion announced his intentions through a statement released by the ATP.

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Andy Murray of Britain during their men's singles semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 25, 2013. REUTERS/Damir SagoljRoger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Andy Murray of Britain during their men's singles semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 25, 2013. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Federer will be in action later on Friday against Julien Benneteau in the quarter-finals of the World Indoor Tournament and after the match he will give a news conference with Malaysia's Nicol David, the women's world number one squash player.

Martial arts karate and wushu, rollersports, wakeboarding, squash, sports climbing, wrestling and a joint bid by baseball and softball are the candidates for the one open spot for the 2020 Games.

(Reporting by Theo Ruizenaar, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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