The History of Squash: From Secret Courts to Global Tournaments

Explore the history of squash, from its secret beginnings in school courtyards to becoming a global sport with world-class tournaments.

Humble Beginnings in England

Squash traces its roots back to 19th-century England, where boys at London’s Harrow School discovered a twist on the game of rackets. Instead of using a solid ball, they began playing with a punctured one that “squashed” against the wall. This new version created longer rallies, more variety, and greater strategy—quickly becoming popular among students.

At first, squash wasn’t formalized. Matches were played in cramped schoolyards, alleys, or unused spaces, giving the sport a reputation as a “hidden” or “secret court” game.

Early Growth and Court Standardization

By the late 1800s, the game spread from Harrow to other schools and eventually across England. Dedicated squash courts began appearing in private clubs and universities. These standardized courts helped the sport evolve from a casual pastime into a structured competition.

In 1907, the first official rules were drafted in England, setting guidelines for court size, scoring, and ball specifications. This marked the start of squash’s transformation into a recognized sport.

Squash Goes Global

During the early 20th century, squash spread to the United States, Canada, India, and Egypt, largely through the British Empire and its global reach. Each country adopted the sport with unique variations. For example, in the U.S., a slightly different court size was initially popular until international standards unified the game.

By the mid-20th century, squash had taken root worldwide. Clubs began hosting friendly matches and local tournaments, helping to build an international community of players.

Professional Era and World Tournaments

The 1970s and 1980s marked the rise of professional squash. Countries like Pakistan dominated, producing legends such as Jahangir Khan, who won an incredible 555 consecutive matches—a record still unmatched in any sport.

As television coverage and sponsorship grew, squash gained recognition on the world stage. Organizations like the Professional Squash Association (PSA) helped establish global tours, ranking systems, and high-profile tournaments such as the British Open and the PSA World Championships.

Today, squash is played in more than 185 countries, with professional tournaments attracting top athletes and fans worldwide.

Squash in the Modern Era

In recent years, squash has worked to increase its visibility through live streaming, glass-walled courts in iconic locations, and high-level international competitions. Egypt currently leads the sport, producing world champions like Ali Farag, Nour El Sherbini, and Mostafa Asal.

While squash has not yet been included in the Olympic Games, its passionate community continues to advocate for its place among the world’s most recognized sports.

Final Takeaway

From secret school courts to professional arenas across the globe, squash has grown into a fast, dynamic, and respected sport. Its history reflects not only tradition but also continuous innovation. Whether you play casually or follow global tournaments, every match today carries a piece of squash’s rich past.