The Philippine Squash Academy Inc. prepares its athletes for a busy schedule this month as it is set to host two regional tournaments that are vital for the sport's introduction in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The 2024 Philippine Satellite 1 (men’s and women’s) kicks off on Oct. 22 and will be followed by Challenger Classic (juniors) on Oct. 28.

Squash President Robet Bachmann said the hosting of the country is important to strengthen the Filipino bets and give them proper exposure to earn coveted spots in the LA Olympics qualifiers.

“We decided to host two events this year just to have our athletes improve their world ranking points… and at the same time also for those who are not part of the PSA program,” said Bachmann in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and ArenaPlus, the country’s 24-7 sports app.

“At least they got that exposure to challenge against the world's best,” he added.

Under the tutelage of Malaysian coach Wee Wern Low, leading the pack for Kayod Pilipinas are veterans and country’s No. 1 Reymark Begornia and Jemyca Aribado along with juniors ace Christopher Burage.

“Maganda ang preparation, sa tulong po ni coach Wee (Wern Low) naturuan nya po kami sa court, nagbibigay din po sya ng tactic,” said Begornia. “Mas magpupursige pa po kami na paghusayan pa po ‘yong laro, especially dito po gaganapin sa bansa.”

"Excited lang po kaming makapag-compete, tyaka magandang preparation din po ito para sa akin before po mag SEA Games," added Aribado, who eyes a SEAG return in singles squash event of the biennial meet.

Wern Low, a former World No. 5, believed that the Filipinos can excel in the sport and it is possible for them to qualify is, by having a deeper understanding and right knowledge. 

“I think for the players, the key thing is understanding the game a little bit more,” said Wern Low.

“At this level, these players who train on a daily basis everybody can do the same thing, it’s just how you can put it together is a big difference,” she added.

The Nationals will battle elite senior and junior bets from Egypt, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Iran, Bahrain, Malaysia and Japan.

Each category will have a 32-player field with the host Philippines having 6 men and 4 women in the 10-day squash meet.