The upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 might see a few new sports if proposals by the LA28 Organising Committee gain approval. Following a recent pitch, five sports have been earmarked for potential inclusion, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set to make the final decision.
Proposed Sports and Their Olympic History
The LA28 committee has put forth baseball-softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash as contenders for the Games. Among these, baseball-softball, cricket, and lacrosse are no strangers to the Olympic arena. Baseball-softball made its last appearance at Tokyo 2020, where Japan clinched gold medals in both categories. Cricket was featured in the 1900 Paris Games, and the current proposal suggests using the popular Twenty20 format for the LA28 edition. Lacrosse, on the other hand, had its moment in the sun during the early 20th century, featuring in the 1904 and 1908 Games, with Canada emerging victorious on both occasions.
The Approval Process
Before these sports can secure a spot at the LA28 Games, they must undergo a rigorous approval process. The IOC’s Olympic Program Commission will first review the proposal, followed by a recommendation to the IOC Executive Board (EB). Should the EB give its nod, the proposal will then be showcased at the 141st IOC Session, scheduled for mid-October in Mumbai, India. Once accepted, finer details, including the exact events and athlete quotas, will be determined at a later stage.
The Evolution of the Olympic Program
LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman emphasized that these proposed sports encapsulate the spirit of innovation and community connection. They are played in diverse settings worldwide and promise to introduce a fresh wave of athletes to the Olympic scene. With the flexibility provided by Olympic Agenda 2020, Olympic Agenda 2020+5, and Rule 45 of the Olympic Charter, the Olympic program is consistently reevaluated to ensure relevance, sustainability, and gender equality. As seen with Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024, and Milano Cortina 2026, this evolving approach allows for the inclusion of fresh and innovative sports in the Olympic narrative.