The World Games Acting as a Launchpad for Sports Aiming for the Olympic Games
The world of sports is abuzz with anticipation as the spotlight shifts towards the upcoming Chengdu Games, set to begin on August 6 in China. This event serves as an audition for sports hoping to make their way into the prestigious Olympics, providing a platform for both established and emerging disciplines to showcase their prowess.
Newcomers and Returnees in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature 36 sports with 351 events, including the 28 core Olympic sports and five optional new sports proposed by the local organizing committee. Some of these new additions are making their Olympic debut or returning after long absences:
- Flag football (Olympic debut)
- Squash (Olympic debut)
- Baseball/softball (returning since 2020)
- Cricket (returning for the first time since 1900, played in the T20 format)
- Lacrosse (returning as a medal sport for the first time since 1908, in the fast-paced sixes format)
Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing, which were optional in 2020, have been promoted to the core Olympic program from 2028 onwards.
The World Games: A Stepping Stone for Olympic Aspirants
The World Games, which debuted in California in 1981, has traditionally been a platform for sports that are not typically part of the Olympic Games. Squash and lacrosse, for instance, have often been featured in The World Games before their possible inclusion in the Olympics. However, the specific sports included in the 2022 World Games are not detailed in the current search results.
The Chengdu Games, with over 4000 athletes competing across 34 sports, represents the diversity of sport and serves as a showcase, with high expectations for the event. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is selective about the sports it lets into the Olympics, generally requiring global appeal and practice in several dozen countries.
Athletes participating in sports outside the Olympic spotlight have the opportunity to be part of something larger through The World Games. The World Games offers athletes and federations a platform that is mutually beneficial, providing a chance to gain recognition and potential Olympic inclusion.
The Chengdu Games: A Cultural Exchange and Community-Building Event
The athletes will reside in an all-inclusive athletes village designed to foster community-building and cultural exchange. More than 100 nations are expected to be involved in the Chengdu Games. A global streaming platform, The World Games Live, has been launched for viewers to watch the games.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) has worked to showcase its unique identity more, and the upcoming Chengdu Games will be a testament to this effort. The IOC will be closely watching the Chengdu Games to consider potential additions for future Games.
In conclusion, the Chengdu Games promises to be an exciting event, not only for the sports enthusiasts but also for the athletes striving to make their mark in the world of sports. The inclusion of new sports in the 2028 Olympics and the potential additions from the Chengdu Games could mark a significant shift in the world of sports, opening up new opportunities for athletes and expanding the horizons of the Olympic Games.
[1] World Games 2022: More than 4,000 athletes to compete in Chengdu [2] The World Games 2022 in Chengdu, China: Everything you need to know [3] Los Angeles 2028: 36 sports, 351 events, 11,000 athletes to compete [4] LA 2028: Five new sports proposed for the Games
- The World Games 2025 in Chengdu will showcase sports such as flag football, squash, and lacrosse, with these events striving for Olympic inclusion in the future.
- Sports enthusiasts, including those focusing on sports analysis, are eagerly awaiting the diverse sports lineup at the Chengdu Games, as the event may set the stage for new Olympic additions in 2028 and beyond.
