Cricket, squash among five new sports proposed for 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, organisers announce

Published 10/10/2023 at 07:55 GMT

Los Angeles 2028 organisers have submitted a “bold and balanced” proposal that would see five new sports added to the Olympic Sport Programme to “energise” the Games in America in five years’ time. Baseball/softball, cricket (Twenty20), flag football, lacrosse (Sixes) and squash are the proposed sports to be reviewed and voted on by the International Olympic Committee.

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Five new sports have been put forward for review by organisers ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Baseball/softball, cricket (Twenty20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash will be reviewed and voted on by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 141st IOC session on October 16.

Should they be approved, cricket would return to the Olympic programme for the first time since 1900, while flag football and squash would make their Olympic debuts.

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Baseball/softball and lacrosse look set to feature in Los Angeles despite missing out on the Paris Games next year.

A statement on the LA28 website said: "This boldly reimagined sport line-up reflects the diversity, optimism and creativity of Los Angeles.

"LA28’s proposal harnesses the power of global sport in a fiscally responsible way to enliven the Games with fresh, forward-thinking energy.

"The proposal will strengthen relationships with international federations and professional leagues, delivering new levels of excitement to existing Olympic fans and welcoming a new generation of athletes and fans to join in co-creating what’s next.

The five sports will be in addition to the 28 already on the Olympic programme that were announced in 2022.

Those are: aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, canoe, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football (soccer), golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling.

“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it,” said LA28 chairperson Casey Wasserman.

“They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centres, stadiums and parks across the US 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.”

Economic responsibility, gender equality, sport integrity, fan interest and youth relevance are the factors evaluated by the IOC approved sport program.

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