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Diaranson, 18 October 2023 AWEMainta SPORTS 49
Bright Prospects as IOC Welcomes
Five New Sports to LA28 Olympics
IN a historic move, the International Olympic Committee tives, captivating a broader audience.
(IOC) has given its resounding approval for the inclusion
of five additional sports in the Olympic Games Los Angeles The selection of these sports is a testament to a thoughtful
2028 (LA28). This momentous announcement, delivered and meticulous process, guided by predefined evaluation
during the 141st IOC Session, brings a fresh wave of opti- criteria, including a strong commitment to gender equality.
mism and excitement. This process involved extensive consultation with a diverse
array of sports communities, both within the United States
The five sports - baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag and across the globe. The chosen sports, some of which are
football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash - were collectively beloved in the United States, will undoubtedly add to the
proposed by the LA28 Organizing Committee for their edition distinctive charm of the Olympic Games LA28.
of the Games. Their proposal underwent a rigorous evalua-
tion process and garnered wholehearted support from the Additionally, the IOC Session greenlights the inclusion of
IOC’s Olympic Programme Commission (OPC) and Executive modern pentathlon, an exceptional sport that has embraced
Board (EB). innovation by replacing horse riding with obstacle racing.
The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) has
Three of these sports, baseball/softball, cricket, and tirelessly worked to streamline costs and complexity.
lacrosse, are making a triumphant return to the Olympic Weightlifting also secures its spot in LA28, backed by the
arena. Flag football and squash, however, are set to embark International Weightlifting Federation’s (IWF) commitment
on their maiden Olympic journey in LA. to bolster its anti-doping efforts and governance.
The IOC President, Thomas Bach, is brimming with enthu- Remarkably, the IOC has put the discussion regarding the
siasm about the selection of these new sports. He under- inclusion of boxing on hold, demonstrating a thoughtful
scores the perfect alignment of these sports with American approach as it seeks a governing body for Olympic boxing.
sports culture, and how they will provide a global platform With these exhilarating additions, the LA28 Olympic program
to showcase iconic American sports. Bach emphasizes that enters a promising new chapter. Detailed event programs
this inclusion will open new doors for athletes and fans, not and athlete quotas will be revealed after the Paris 2024
only in the United States but worldwide. Games. The IOC’s dedication to ensuring reasonable athlete
quotas for the Olympic Games LA28 stands as a beacon of
Chairperson Casey Wasserman of LA28 radiates excitement, hope for athletes and fans alike.
reflecting the belief that Los Angeles holds a unique oppor-
tunity to stage the most captivating Games ever. He recog- The International Olympic Committee, driven by an unwav-
nizes that the Olympic sport program mirrors this vision. ering passion for sport’s transformative power, continues
Wasserman also hints at groundbreaking collaborations to empower athletes and sports organizations at all levels
with major professional leagues, promising to unlock vast around the world, offering a brighter future for sports enthu-
opportunities to amplify the Olympic and Paralympic narra- siasts everywhere.
