Compound Archery Excluded from 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Cricket Considered for Inclusion

In a recent decision by the International Olympic Council's (IOC) Executive Board, compound archery will not feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This ruling follows World Archery's proposal to include compound archery in the program for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

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In a recent decision by the International Olympic Council's (IOC) Executive Board, compound archery will not feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This ruling follows World Archery's proposal to include compound archery in the program for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

At the just-concluded Asian Games, India made a significant mark in compound archery. Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Pravin Deotale secured gold in the women's and men's individual competitions, respectively. India's Aditi Swami Gopichand clinched a bronze medal in the women's event, while Abhishek Verma brought home silver in the men's individual archery category.

India's recurve archers also put on an impressive performance, with the men's team, consisting of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, and Tushar Shelke, securing the silver medal. The women's team, comprising Bhajan Kaur, Ankita Bhakat, and Simranjeet Kaur, bagged the bronze medal.

The anticipated number of participants for the LA 2028 Games is expected to increase to 10,500 with the addition of new sports. However, Kit McConnell, the IOC sports director, did not include compound archery among the new inclusions.

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McConnell emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance within the existing sports and respecting their universality while introducing changes. He explained, "Moving forward also, respecting the universality within those existing sports and any changes that we make." McConnell highlighted the strength of the proposals from international federations but noted that some had to be declined due to cost and complexity considerations.

It is essential to clarify that the omission of certain sports, including compound archery, is not a critique of their quality. McConnell underlined that some federations had presented compelling cases, but the decisions were primarily influenced by cost and complexity.

Furthermore, the IOC is contemplating the inclusion of cricket and four other sports in the LA 2028 Olympics. The final decision on cricket's inclusion will be determined through voting during an upcoming session.

The exclusion of compound archery and the potential addition of cricket and other sports reflect the IOC's ongoing efforts to evolve and enhance the Olympic program, maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation.