Watanabe Satomi Leads Charge to Globalize Squash with olympic Debut
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The inclusion of squash in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is poised to dramatically increase the sport’s global profile, and Japanese player Watanabe Satomi is at the forefront of this exciting change. Currently ranked No. 6 in the world – the highest ranking ever achieved by a Japanese squash player – Watanabe embodies the ambition and dedication driving the sport toward wider recognition.
Why did squash gain Olympic inclusion?
Rising Star on a Global Stage
Watanabe, a graduate of Roehampton University who now spends much of her time training in the UK, is rapidly becoming a dominant force in professional squash. Her current ranking, according to the PSA World Squash Rankings, is not the ultimate goal, however. “I’m very pleased with where I am at the moment, but at the same time, that’s still not quite the goal yet,” she stated, adding, “I just take it as a confidence in myself.”
Her success is already resonating within Japan, fostering a growing sense of national pride. “Quite a lot of Japanese players have said to me, and even Japanese squash fans have said to me, ‘Oh, you’re doing great in whatever you’re doing,'” she shared. “I’m just very happy that these days, a lot of players or even the fans are watching more professional squash!” Watanabe hopes her achievements will inspire further growth of the sport in her home country.
Who is driving the push for squash’s globalization?
The Olympic Effect
The chance to compete on the Olympic stage has fundamentally altered Watanabe’s focus and motivation. Previously, the Olympics remained an aspirational, yet unattainable, target. “Even though we wanted to make it [the Olympics] as a goal, we couldn’t becuase our sport was not in the Olympics,” she explained. “But now we can set that as a goal, to have something to work even harder for and then play for your country as well, I think it means a lot to me.”
The impact extends beyond individual athletes. Watanabe believes Olympic inclusion will considerably raise awareness of squash worldwide. “It probably brings a lot more acknowledgement of what squash is, and also I think how dynamic the sport is or how fascinating the sport is as well,” she continued. “I think by getting into the Olympics, the Olympics could help squash become more well-known to the world as well. That’s what I’m hoping for as well.”
What is the immediate impact of Olympic inclusion?
Preparation for LA28 at The World Games 2025
Currently competing in the women’s squash singles event at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu,People’s Republic of China,Watanabe views the competition as crucial preparation for the challenges ahead. As the No.1 seed, she is embracing the pressure and utilizing the experience to simulate the intensity of the Olympic Games. “I just take it as a good preparation for the Olympics,” she said. “Having to represent the country but also having this kind of pressure or even like a little bit of nerves in this game probably can help me to a little simulate how it’s going to be in the Olym
how did this journey begin to conclude?
Watanabe is currently using The World games 2025 as a vital stepping stone. By embracing the pressure and simulating Olympic conditions,
