The IOC is assessing the merits of all the sports and disciplines that were in the Athens Games programme, plus the five selected recognised sports: golf, rugby, roller sports, karate and squash. The final decision for 2012 will be taken in July 2005.
Susie Simcock, emeritus president of the World Squash Federation, said: "Squash is played by 15 million enthusiasts in more than 150 countries across the world and is in all other major multi-sports events, including the Commonwealth Games, World Games, Pan American Games, All-Africa Games and Asian Games.
"We have fought for 20 years to achieve our dream of being on the Olympic programme, in the sure knowledge that every top Squash player would rank an Olympic medal as the greatest prize in the sport.
"This review by the IOC is wonderful news for Squash as we are now able to present our case for inclusion alongside the current Olympic sports and other major sports bidding for a place," added the federation's former president.
