Major Changes Afoot: IOC Shelves Boxing, Welcomes New Sports for LA 2028 Olympics

In a groundbreaking move, the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board (IOC EB) has decided to halt the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This decision stems from the lack of a recognized governing body for Olympic boxing since the withdrawal of the International Boxing Association (IBA). Consequently, the fate of boxing in the LA28 sports program remains uncertain.

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In a groundbreaking move, the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board (IOC EB) has decided to halt the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This decision stems from the lack of a recognized governing body for Olympic boxing since the withdrawal of the International Boxing Association (IBA). Consequently, the fate of boxing in the LA28 sports program remains uncertain.

The IOC's 141st session, scheduled to run from October 15 to October 17, took place following the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this session, the IOC proposed the inclusion of five exciting new sports for the LA28 Games. These sports include cricket (T20), squash, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and baseball and softball, marking a thrilling expansion of the Olympic sports roster.

One of the most significant changes in the LA28 Games comes in the form of modern pentathlon. Horse riding or equestrian show jumping is being replaced by obstacle racing as one of the key events. The IOC EB has highly recommended this change and the inclusion of modern pentathlon in the LA28 sports program. This move is attributed to the optimization efforts carried out by the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) to reduce both costs and complexity.

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Another sport poised for inclusion is weightlifting, and this decision is informed by the International Weightlifting Federation's (IWF) stance on anti-doping management. The IOC EB enthusiastically recommends adding weightlifting to the LA28 sports program, thanks to the IWF's decision to delegate its anti-doping management to the International Testing Agency (ITA) and its sanctioning to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) until at least the end of 2028.

These changes represent a shift in the landscape of Olympic sports, emphasizing the IOC's commitment to innovation and the inclusion of diverse and exciting sports in the LA28 Games. While boxing's future in the Olympics hangs in the balance due to the absence of a recognized governing body, the inclusion of modern pentathlon with obstacle racing and weightlifting's anti-doping measures paves the way for an exciting and diverse athletic showcase in Los Angeles in 2028.