Cricket’s return to the Olympics
According to an ET report, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made headlines in 2023 when it announced the inclusion of cricket in the LA 2028 Olympics. This decision marks only the second time cricket will be featured in the Olympics, with the first and only appearance occurring over 100 years ago. The sport’s return has sparked widespread enthusiasm, especially among cricketing nations eager to showcase their talent on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Despite the announcement, specific details such as the venue and the schedule for the T20 cricket matches have yet to be confirmed, according to the official Olympics website. This has only added to the anticipation as fans await further updates.
Ironically, cricket made its Olympic debut at the 1900 Paris Games, where only one match was played. The historic game saw Great Britain face off against France in a two-day event, with Great Britain emerging victorious. Although the Netherlands and Belgium were also slated to compete, both nations eventually withdrew from the competition, leaving cricket’s Olympic journey brief but memorable.
New sports at the LA 2028 Olympics
While the return of cricket is undoubtedly a highlight, the LA 2028 Olympics will also see the introduction of several other sports, making the event even more exciting. The Paris 2024 Olympics introduced breakdancing, known as “breaking,” as a new sport, but it has been dropped for the 2028 edition. In its place, five new sports have been added to the LA28 program, each chosen to resonate with American sports culture and appeal to a global audience.
Here are the five new sports set to debut at the LA 2028 Olympics:
Baseball/Softball
A beloved American pastime, baseball and softball will return to the Olympics. These sports have a long history in the Games, with the most recent appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their inclusion is expected to draw significant interest, particularly from North and South American countries.
Flag Football
Making its Olympic debut, flag football will bring the excitement of American football to the global stage in a format that emphasises speed, strategy, and teamwork. This sport is expected to engage both existing fans and newcomers to the Olympic Movement.
Lacrosse (Sixes)
Lacrosse returns to the Olympics after a long hiatus. Last played in the St. Louis 1904 and London 1908 Games, the sixes format will feature a faster-paced version of the sport, showcasing its rich history and cultural significance, especially in North America.
Squash
Also making its Olympic debut, squash has long been a popular sport around the world. Its inclusion in the LA Games represents a major milestone for the sport, offering players and fans a chance to see squash on the Olympic stage for the first time.
T20 Cricket
The return of cricket in its T20 format is perhaps the most anticipated event of the LA 2028 Olympics. With its fast-paced and dynamic gameplay, T20 cricket is expected to captivate audiences globally, bringing a new dimension to the Olympic Games.
Impact of new sports on the LA 2028 Olympics
The decision to include these five sports in the LA 2028 Olympics was made during the 141st Session of the IOC. According to IOC President Thomas Bach, the selection of these sports aligns with American sports culture and will showcase iconic American sports to a global audience while introducing international sports to the United States.
“Their inclusion will allow the Olympic Movement to engage with new athlete and fan communities in the US and globally,” Bach stated on the official Olympics website. This strategic move is designed to broaden the appeal of the Olympics, ensuring that the LA 2028 Games will be a unique and memorable event that reflects both American and global sports traditions.
As the world eagerly awaits the LA 2028 Olympics, the inclusion of these new sports, along with the return of cricket, promises to make the Games an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and global unity. Be sure to mark your calendars for what is sure to be a historic and thrilling edition of the Olympic Games.
