With a proud history in the Commonwealth Games since 1998, and an announcement that the sport would be included at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, squash is back on the rise in Australia.

A staple throughout the 80’s and 90’s, Australia’s squash scene featured the likes of the world’s top ranked players who claimed tournament after tournament.  

With participation waning in the sport throughout the 2000’s, and sadly reaching its lowest point in 2016, the recent Olympic announcement coupled with the Australian Open being elevated to PSA World Tour status for the first time in more than a decade, has offered optimism around the sports resurgence.  

With Squash Australia seeking to capitalise on the sports growth, and ultimately return Australia to the top of the sport, Commonwealth Games Australia is helping to support this initiative through Green2Gold2Great.  

Seeking to create more opportunities for Australian players to compete at a high level and improve ranking points, funding is helping to support the delivery of events such as the Carrara Open, PSA World Championships Oceania Qualifying Event and most notably the Australian Open.  

Whilst offering opportunities for Australian athletes to compete at home, Birmingham 2022 team member, Jess Turnbull, also spoke to the opportunity the events provided to enhance the profile of the sport publicly in the country. 

“We haven’t had a major Australian Open here since I was fifteen, and that was awesome to be able to play back then, so to be at the height of my career and being able to showcase squash at home is unreal,” said Turnbull.  

Green2Gold2Great is also helping to support Australia’s top squash players individually, covering expenses related to competition, travel, and equipment. With many players exploring pathways in the US and European markets for greater development opportunities, the funding support adds an extra level of reassurance.  

Making her debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, top prospect of the future Alex Haydon spoke to the funding support and how it is enabling her to progress as a player. 

“I’m so thankful for the CGA funding; it’s helping me to be based overseas and have that training quality, as well as allowing me to come back for these events, play other international events close by to the US – so that all helps to improve myself as a squash player and continue to get better and better.” 

“To be playing in those tournaments, start improving my ranking and work for the long-term goals of podium finishes at the Commonwealth Games,” was an exciting part of being a supported athlete emphasised Haydon.  

With a growing trend of increased participation, enhanced visibility opportunities for the sport and greater investment, Green2Gold2Great is playing a role in developing the next generation of Australia’s squash players.  

Commonwealth Games Australia is proud to support emerging Australian talent through Green2Gold2Great, a $13 million investment in athletes and sport. 

In 2024, 37 bespoke projects will be delivered, developing more than 1000 people into the next generation of medal contenders. 

Green2Gold2Great – propelling Australia’s success at the Commonwealth Games.