The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee, responsible for hosting the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, unveiled a compelling proposal to introduce five additional sports to the event’s roster. The proposed sports being flag football, baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash, represent a diverse range of athletic disciplines. LA28 expressed its intent to have this proposal examined and ultimately endorsed by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board. The decision is set to be made during the IOC Session scheduled for October 16 in Mumbai, India, where the future of these potential inclusions will be determined.
“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it,” LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman said in a statement. He went on to explain how the games were chosen based on them being widely community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the world.
In the event of approval, the introduction of these new sports will signify a comeback to the Olympic stage for some, while also serving as a debut for flag football and squash. Neither flag football nor squash has previously been featured in Olympic competitions, making their potential inclusion a significant milestone.
The implications of incorporating these five sports into the Olympic program remain uncertain regarding their potential impact on the other participating sports. The IOC has stipulated a maximum limit of 10,500 athletes for the Summer Games, and the introduction of several team sports may require adjustments that could potentially involve reducing opportunities for other sports. Regardless, the buzz is high and anticipation even higher for athletes in the proposed sports all over the world.
