The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) are set to feature a diverse array of sports, blending traditional Olympic events with new additions that reflect the evolving landscape of global athletics. The official sports program encompasses both core sports and newly approved disciplines, aiming to engage a broad audience and celebrate athletic excellence across various fields.
Core Sports
The core sports, which have been mainstays in previous Olympic Games, include:
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Aquatics (encompassing swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming)
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Archery
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Athletics (track and field events)
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Badminton
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Basketball
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Boxing
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Canoe (slalom and sprint)
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Cycling (BMX freestyle, BMX racing, mountain biking, road, and track)
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Equestrian (dressage, eventing, and jumping)
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Fencing
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Football (soccer)
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Golf
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Gymnastics (artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline)
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Handball
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Hockey
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Judo
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Rowing
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Rugby
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Sailing
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Shooting
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Table Tennis
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Taekwondo
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Tennis
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Triathlon
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Volleyball (indoor and beach)
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Weightlifting
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Wrestling (freestyle and Greco-Roman)
Newly Added Sports
In an effort to modernize the Games and appeal to a younger demographic, the LA28 organizing committee, in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has approved the inclusion of several additional sports:
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Baseball/Softball: Returning to the Olympic program, these sports enjoy widespread popularity, particularly in the Americas and Asia.
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Cricket (T20 format): Making a comeback after its sole appearance in 1900, the fast-paced Twenty20 format aims to captivate a global audience.
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Flag Football: Set for its Olympic debut, this non-contact version of American football emphasizes speed and strategy, broadening the sport’s appeal.
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Lacrosse (Sixes format): Returning as a medal event for the first time since 1908, the Sixes format offers a faster-paced version of the traditional game.
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Squash: After years of campaigning, squash will make its first Olympic appearance, showcasing agility and precision in a dynamic setting.
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Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, and Surfing: Initially introduced in Tokyo 2020, these sports have been elevated to the core program, reflecting their growing global popularity and cultural significance.
Notable Changes and Considerations
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Boxing: After addressing previous governance concerns, boxing has been reinstated into the LA28 program, ensuring its continued Olympic legacy.
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Modern Pentathlon: This event is expected to feature an updated format, replacing the traditional equestrian component with obstacle course racing, aiming to enhance accessibility and spectator engagement.
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Weightlifting: Following significant reforms within its international federation, weightlifting retains its place in the Olympic lineup, emphasizing the sport’s commitment to integrity and fair play.
The LA28 Olympics promise a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating established sports while embracing new disciplines that reflect the dynamic nature of global athletics.
