Sport is running to catch up with the future

Technological advances, geopolitical changes and the economy have pushed the Olympic movement into a critical transition period. Introduction of new sports, variations in the Olympic program, artificial intelligence, esports, etc. they entered the… microscope of the Immortals at the 141st session of the International Olympic Committee in order for sport to catch up with the future. Thus, five more sports will be added to the program of the Los Angeles Games (2028) while, as everything shows, esports are also expected to find a place in the sports of the “five circles”.

During the meeting in Mumbai, India, it was decided that baseball – softball, cricket, lacrosse, flag football and squash would be included in the 2028 Olympics. The last two sports will enter the great sports festival for the first time. Flag football is similar to American football, but without much physical contact. Squash is played by two or four players on a court with four walls and a small rubber ball. Lacrosse participated in the 1904 and 1908 events. It is a game played by Native Americans.

Cricket participated in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics, but in 1908 no matches were held. So, because there was no interest from teams, he withdrew from the program. Baseball and softball were last on the schedule in 2008. The Los Angeles event will be held as one sport, for men and women, respectively. In 2028, rowing will get a “little brother”, it is coastal rowing, which will take place in three categories (men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles).

And while the Immortals, in Mumbai, India, dealt with the distant future of the Olympic Games, the immediate future, that is, the organization of Paris, seems to be facing problems. The financial authorities of France carried out an investigation at the offices of the Organizing Committee, but also at companies related to the opening ceremony. On the other hand, the war in the Middle East has increased security measures in the country. The organizers, of course, stated that there will be no additional measures during the Games as during that time the issue of security will have been included at the highest level.

France’s ability to stage a safe Games was questioned by Sergei Kovalchuk, Minister of Sports and Tourism of Belarus. “We are worried about the safety of our athletes who will take part, even with a neutral flag. It is a big question whether France is capable of hosting this event,” he said.

203 countries were invited to participate in the Paris Olympic Games by the IOC. They do not include Russia, Belarus and Guatemala. Of course, there will be a possibility for sportsmen and women to participate under the regime of neutrality. According to the president of the IOC, Thomas Bach, seven million tickets have already been sold for the event in France.

Source: Daily