On Monday morning, the International Olympic Committee officially passed a proposal to add five new sports to the Summer Olympics.
Baseball, softball, lacrosse, cricket, squash, and flag football will all be part of the games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles (LA28).
“The hope of an Olympic dream just became an active pursuit for countless athletes around the world. This remarkable journey over the next five years will undoubtedly change lives, inspiring athletes with the opportunity to represent their sport and country on the world’s biggest stage,” Janet Evans, LA28’s chief athlete officer, said in an official press release. “Participating in the Games is an experience unlike any other, and any athlete who pursues it will become an invaluable thread within the shared story of the LA28 Games.”
The six sports join a 28-sport lineup at the 2028 Olympics, including the return of modern pentathlon and weightlifting. Boxing might also join the lineup, but that decision is currently on hold.
Baseball, softball, cricket, and lacrosse were all previously included in the Olympics but were discontinued at various points. Cricket has not been a part of the Olympics since 1900, and lacrosse has not been included since 1908. Baseball and softball were included in the 2020 Tokyo Games after a brief hiatus and are returning to the permanent lineup.
“We are delighted that baseball and softball have been confirmed as part of the sports programme at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 by the IOC Session,” said Riccardo Faccari, the president of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
“The WBSC firmly believes that baseball and softball will help millions of fans engage with the Olympic Games, especially with USA being home to many of the sports’ best players and biggest stars from across the world. … Baseball has been in the Olympics six times and Softball five times, and their inclusion in LA28 will excite athletes and fans across the U.S. and around the world, inspiring a new generation of boys and girls to chase Olympic glory,” Faccari continued.
Cricket will be played in a fast-paced Twenty20 format, while the other sports will keep their standard forms.
Flag football and squash will be making their Olympic debuts in 2028. Flag football has been gaining popularity worldwide as a safer way to play the sport, while squash has finally been approved after several rejections.
“On behalf of the entire global Squash community, I would like to express my immense delight at Squash’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” remarked Zena Wooldridge, president of the World Squash Federation.
Wooldridge added, “Everyone involved in our sport is thrilled to be LA-bound, and we look forward to being part of an unparalleled Olympic Games experience. Our most sincere thanks go out to the LA28 OCOG and the IOC for their careful consideration and to all who have helped Squash achieve Olympic recognition.”
