A Look at New Sports for LA 2028 Olympics

With the Paris Olympics behind us, excitement is building for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, California. Hollywood has already kicked off the countdown, but the biggest buzz surrounds the inclusion of five new sports, one of which is particularly exciting for cricket fans worldwide – T20 cricket!

Cricket’s Historic Return

Cricket will be making its second appearance at the Olympics after a century-long absence. Remember the 1900 Paris Olympics? That’s where cricket made its debut, with Great Britain taking home the gold medal in the only men’s match played. This time around, the popular T20 format will be the center of attention, offering a fast-paced and exciting experience for both players and viewers. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar himself has hailed this as a “golden opportunity” for the sport to be showcased on the biggest sporting stage.

The Venue and Schedule

While the inclusion of T20 cricket is confirmed, details regarding the specific venue and schedule for the matches are yet to be announced by the Olympics’ official website.

More New Faces at the Games

While Paris 2024 saw the introduction of breakdancing, this sport will not be making a return in LA. However, five exciting additions will be:

(i) Baseball/Softball: A familiar sight at the Olympics, these bat-and-ball sports are coming back after featuring in Tokyo 2020. Baseball is for men, while softball uses a larger and softer ball for women.

(ii) Flag Football: This non-contact version of American football is played 5v5. Players wear flags attached to their belts that opponents must remove to stop a play.

(iii) Lacrosse (sixes): This fast-paced game, popular in American universities, uses a netted stick to catch and throw a rubber ball into the goal. Interestingly, lacrosse was played at the 1904 and 1908 Olympics.

(iv) Squash: A racquet sport with a dedicated following, particularly among US business professionals, squash will be making its Olympic debut in LA.

Why These Sports?

The Olympic host city has the privilege of selecting additional sports besides the core program. The choices reflect a desire to:

(i) Engage a wider audience: Cricket’s immense popularity in India, England, and Australia is a major draw.

(ii) Embrace American sports culture: Flag football and lacrosse cater to local sporting preferences.

(iii) Expand Olympic offerings: Squash brings a new racquet sport to the table.

These additions promise to inject fresh energy and excitement into the 2028 Olympics. With established favorites like baseball/softball returning alongside newcomers like flag football and squash, the LA Games will be a truly diverse and captivating spectacle for sports fans around the world.