As Paris officially hands over the Olympic torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already introduced significant changes to the event lineup. In 2023, the IOC approved the inclusion of five new sports in the 2028 Olympics, marking a historical return for some and a debut for others. Notably, cricket and lacrosse, which haven’t graced the Olympic stage in over a century, are among these new additions.

As of August 2024, these five sports have been officially confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, promising to bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the Games.

Cricket Returns to the Olympics After 128 Years

Cricket, one of the world’s most popular sports, is set to make a grand return to the Olympics in 2028 after a 128-year hiatus. The sport last appeared in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where it was featured only once. For the LA 2028 Games, the Twenty20 (T20) format has been chosen, known for its fast-paced and thrilling nature, making it a perfect fit for the global stage.

Squash to Make Its Long-Awaited Olympic Debut

Squash, a sport that has long campaigned for inclusion in the Olympics, will finally make its debut in the 2028 Games. Although squash was previously featured as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, its official inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics marks a significant milestone for the sport and its global community.

Baseball/Softball Reintroduced in a New Format

Baseball and softball will return to the Olympics in 2028, but with a unique twist. The two sports, traditionally separate, will be combined into a single event, featuring men’s baseball and women’s softball. Unlike other events, these games will not be held in Los Angeles but in Oklahoma City, utilizing pre-existing sports facilities. This reintroduction follows their previous inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the combined format was first introduced.

Flag Football to Make Its Olympic Debut

Flag football, a no-contact variant of American football, will make its Olympic debut in 2028. This sport, which is played in teams of five, has gained popularity for its fast pace and strategic gameplay. Both men’s and women’s divisions will be featured in the LA 2028 Olympics. The U.S. women’s team currently holds the title of reigning world champion, while Mexico claimed the men’s title at the 2022 World Games.

Lacrosse Returns with a Modern Twist

Lacrosse, which was last seen at the Olympics in the early 20th century, will return to the Games in 2028 in the form of Lacrosse Sixes, a faster and more dynamic version of traditional field lacrosse. This sport made its Olympic debut in 1904 and was featured again in 1908. The reintroduction of lacrosse is seen as a significant achievement for the sport, which has evolved considerably over the past century.

Sports Facing Exclusion from the 2028 Olympics

While new sports are being welcomed, some are facing the possibility of exclusion from the 2028 Olympics.

Break Dancing: Breaking, which made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, will not be featured in Los Angeles. The sport struggled to gain widespread appeal, and some performances, like that of Australia’s Rachael Gunn, faced significant criticism.

Boxing: Although not officially removed, boxing is at risk of being excluded from the 2028 Games due to the lack of a global governing body. The International Boxing Association (IBA) lost its recognition from the IOC in 2023 amid allegations of corruption and governance failures. The IOC has expressed a desire to see boxing continue at the Olympics, but it remains up to the boxing community to organize and rectify the situation.

LA28’s Vision for the Future of the Olympics

“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it,” said LA28 chairperson Casey Wasserman in a press release. “They’re relevant, innovative, and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums, and parks across the U.S. and the globe. They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases, and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”

The inclusion of these five sports in the 2028 LA Olympics reflects the evolving nature of the Games, aiming to connect with a broader audience while celebrating both traditional and modern athletic disciplines.

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