Shepparton remains the home for international squash championship

The Shepparton International Squash Championship is back again this year and locked in for the following two with Victorian Government funding.In its seventh year, the PSA World Tour event will be held from July 30 to August 2, with dates for next year and 2022 yet to be confirmed.This year's event will have 80 players from across the world vie for a US$12 000 prize pool across the men’s and women’s open divisions.Professional Sheppartonl squash player Ben Ratcliffe said he was excited the championships would be held again in his hometown. “These events give us the opportunity to boost our world rankings which will enable us to compete in more competitions, including the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “Squash doesn’t get the same attention as other sports, but hopefully these extra events will attract more interest in the sport and get the recognition it deserves.”Squash and Racquetball Victoria general manager Russell McLean said the event would continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.“It’s important to have these fantastic events on the calendar in regional areas as it showcases the sport and its athletes, and inspires young people to participate as they watch local stars compete,” he said.State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said it was "fantastic" the championships would be held again in Shepparton, as it would provide a boon for local business.“This is great news for fans as well as for local workers and small businesses who will benefit from more visitors to the region,” he said.The state government provided funding for the event through its $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program, but did not disclose the exact amount contributed to the championships.