Squash is the most physically advantageous sport going but why does it not receive more recognition?
“YOU’RE paying £40 a month to run on a treadmill and sweat like a pig?” That was my father’s reaction when I told him I had finally decided to get into shape and kick a few ugly habits. I thought he would be over the moon, with his daughter’s decision to look after her self but instead I got a reaction of wonder and disappointment. The argument went on: “Have you not heard of squash?” Both my parents were squash fanatics back in the UK and I had always wondered what they found so amazing. Well, squash is the healthiest sport on the planet, apparently. A sport that can guarantee burning up to 517 calories in 30 minutes, instead of the treadmill that burns a disappointing 160 calories in the same time.
I was furious and decided to find out for myself just how amazing squash is, so I met Stakis Christodoulou, vice president of the Nicosia Squash Association. “You go to the gym?” he said, “but why?” At first I took his astonishment as a compliment but then I realised the awful truth: hadn’t I heard of squash? Apparently, although jogging on the treadmill may be great for cardio respiratory, let’s face it, while you are working out, it’s also damaging your joints and above all, it does nothing for the upper parts of your body. The same goes for weight training because although it can do miracles for the muscles, it doesn’t help the heart.
So, why on earth are people still going to the gym and not trying out this great, calorie-burning sport? “Most people haven’t even heard of squash,” explained Stakis, “they don’t even know that squash exists in Cyprus and it’s a shame.” The Nicosia Squash Association was formed in 1989 and has 75 senior members and 40 junior members. “The oldest player is over 60,” said Stakis. Wow! “And the youngest is eight years old.” Squash is for all ages, men and women are welcome and it’s not a difficult or expensive sport to play. “People pay a lot of money to go to the gym and work out,” explained Stakis, “whereas a game of squash only costs £1 and you are getting twice the result.”
Not only has the Nicosia Squash Association been around for ages, it also has a club league, which is the association’s main activity. The league is split into seven divisions and Stakis explained that the first division has very good players, which even won a gold medal at the Small Nations Squash Championship. “Seven players were on the team,” he said, “two of whom were only 16 years old.” Cyprus won a gold medal? When? I had no idea! “We won a gold medal and no one was even interested,” Stakis complained, “people just don’t care about anything apart from football.” But that’s not all. The Nicosia Squash Association couldn’t even get a sponsor. “I fought a lot to get OTEnet to sponsor us,” explained Stakis, “and we are grateful.”
However, there is a problem the association regards as something a lot more important than sponsoring. “We need more courts,” explained Stakis, “which is a huge problem because this means that the Cyprus Athletic Organisation doesn’t believe in us.” There are currently only have six squash courts in Cyprus: one at Laiki Sporting Club, two at the Bank of Cyprus Sports Club, two at the Eleftheria stadium and one at the Hilton. And here comes another question: why is one of the most healthiest sports in the world coming in at such a poor place behind football, basketball and a host of others? “Maybe because this is Cyprus,” Stakis said, “and simply because they don’t think we can make it.”
However, the association is soldiering on and has arranged its own divisions. “Beginning with the first division, which are the experts,” said Stakis, “and finally we have the eighth, which are beginners.” All divisions are doing quite well and receive training from Michael Liras, who is the league director. Much has been achieved by both the players and the association. Fighting for something as important as your health should be a battle for everybody. Just remember, 517 calories.
l For more information: www.nicosiasquash.com
TOP TEN HEALTHIEST SPORTS
According to the US Forbes Magazine
Squash
Rowing
Rock climbing
Swimming
Cross Country Skiing
Basketball
Cycling
Running
Modern Pentathlon
Boxing
10 Reasons to play squash with the Nicosia Squash Association
1 It is easy to start
2 There is easy access
3 It greatly improves physical endurance
4 It is great for health and fitness
5 It is not directly affected by weather (although it can get a bit hot in the summer)
6 It is fun
7 There is a great social environment
8 Varied competition levels
9 Well structured and organised
10 Better value for money
