List of Possible Future Olympic Games Sports
The list of Olympic Games sports included on the program is dynamic and constantly evolving, reflecting the changing landscape of global sports culture. The list of potential future Olympic sports remains a subject of interest and speculation among athletes, federations, and sports enthusiasts worldwide.
will surf lifesaving be a part of the Olympics one day? Sports seeking inclusion in the Olympics undergo a rigorous evaluation process by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), considering factors such as popularity, global participation, youth appeal, gender equality, and adherence to Olympic values.
Here are some of those sports which have been put forward in the past as possible new Olympic Sports. We have not included sports that have been on the program previously.
One day we may see some of these following sports on the Olympic Program.
- Air Sports: Air sports encompass a range of aerial activities, including parachuting, aerobatics, and gliding, that showcase skill, precision, and daring. Olympic sports have dominated the land and water, but the air is one place yet to be conquered. With its thrilling performances and global appeal, air sports offer a unique and visually stunning addition to the Olympic program.
- Bowling: Bowling is a recreational sport enjoyed by millions worldwide, known for its accessibility and competitive nature. Its inclusion in the Olympics would broaden the Games' appeal to a diverse audience, particularly among casual sports enthusiasts. With its emphasis on skill and strategy, bowling offers a unique and inclusive addition to the Olympic program. Bowling has already had a taste of the major events. It was once an Olympic demonstration sport in 1988, and has featured as a sport at the Commonwealth Games.
- Chess / Bridge: While not generally considered a sport, chess and bridge are very popular games played competitively around the world, and have already featured on some major event programs such as the Asian Games. These games challenge players' analytical thinking and decision-making skills. These events would be an interesting addition to the Olympic program, with global appeal and emphasis on fairness and sportsmanship, great Olympic ideals.
- Disc sport (Ultimate): Disc sports, particularly Ultimate Frisbee, combine elements of athleticism, strategy, and fair play. Its inclusion in the Olympics would highlight the sport's values of inclusivity, respect, and integrity, appealing to a wide range of participants and spectators. With its global reach and growing competitive scene, disc sports would offer an exciting and engaging addition to the Olympic program.
- Esports: Esports represents a rapidly growing sector of competitive gaming, with millions of participants and viewers worldwide, particularly for the younger audience that the IOC has been recently targeting. The numbers are hard to ignore. Already there are hints that esports will be one day part of the Olympics - there were esports demonstration events held around the time of the 2016, 2018 and 2021 Olympic Games,
- Floorball: Floorball is a fast-paced indoor team sport that combines elements of hockey and soccer, emphasizing skill, speed, and teamwork. While growing in popularity worldwide, it is difficult to see it being added to the program due to its similarity to field hockey.
- Futsal or Beach Soccer: Futsal and Beach Soccer, variations of the world's most popular sport, offer fast-paced, dynamic gameplay that showcases individual skill and teamwork. Their inclusion in the Olympics would attract a diverse global audience, particularly from regions where these variants of soccer are popular.
- Korfball: Korfball is a mixed-gender team sport that originated in The Netherlands, combining elements of basketball and netball. Its inclusion in the Olympics would promote gender equality in sports, which is high on the agenda of the IOC. Korfball has already been a demonstration sport at the Olympic Games in 1920 and 1928.
- Mixed Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines elements of various combat sports, including striking, grappling, and wrestling. Its inclusion in the Olympics would recognize the sport's global popularity and provide a platform for top athletes to compete at the highest level. It also makes historical sense to add it to the Olympic program considering its links back to the similar ancient Olympic sport of Pankration.
- Motorsport: The IOC has generally been reluctant to include motorized sports, but the worldwide popularity of Formula Racing must make them take notice. A version that may be suitable for the Olympics is karting, a form of motorsport involving small, open-wheel vehicles, that showcases skill, speed, and precision. Its inclusion in the Olympics would introduce motorsport to a wider audience. It is not without precedent. Motorsports were once part of the Olympics, in the form of motorboating, while there have been also motorsport demonstration events.
- Muay Thai / kickboxing: Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a fast-paced combat sport that combines striking techniques with clinching and grappling maneuvers. Its inclusion in the Olympics would showcase the sport's popularity and competitive depth, particularly in Southeast Asia where it holds cultural significance.
- Netball: Netball is a fast-paced team sport similar to basketball, played predominantly by women. It seems like an uphill battle to get the sport played at the Olympics. One of the biggest hurdles the sport has is the current push for the Olympics to have gender balance. While women's netball is very strong, there is not the same depth of competition on the men's side. While a popular sport, it is played more in Commonwealth Countries, not as wide-ranging as required by the IOC.
- Orienteering: Orienteering is a challenging outdoor sport that involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass. Its inclusion in the Olympics would celebrate outdoor adventure and provide a platform for showcasing the athleticism and navigation skills of orienteers. A similar sport, cross country running, has also been suggested as making a comeback to the Olympics, though it would be an easier addition as it could be added as part of the athletics program.
- Parkour: Parkour involves navigating urban environments with speed, efficiency, and agility. With its appeal to both participants and spectators, parkour offers a dynamic and visually stunning addition to the Olympic Games.
- Sambo: Sambo is a dynamic combat sport that originated in Russia, emphasizing throws, grappling, and submissions. It would be an unlikely addition to the Olympic program especially due to the already stacked program of martial arts.
- Snooker: Snooker is a precision-based cue sport that requires strategic thinking, concentration, and exceptional skill. With its tradition, accessibility, and competitive nature, snooker offers a compelling addition to the Olympic Games.
- Sumo: Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that combines strength, technique, and ritual in a centuries-old tradition. Despite twice being a demonstration sport at the Olympics, there is already two other forms of wrestling on the Olympic Games program, freestyle and Greco-Roman, so we cannot foresee sumo forcing its way onto the program in the near future.
- Surf Lifesaving: Surf lifesaving is a water sport that originated in Australia, combining elements of surf swimming, board paddling, and rescue techniques. Its inclusion in the Olympics would highlight the importance of water safety and rescue skills while showcasing the athleticism of lifeguards. A life saving event was an unofficial sport at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris.
- Teqball: Teqball is a new and innovative sport that combines elements of soccer and table tennis, played on a curved table with a soccer ball. The sport is growing in international popularity and has the potential for mass appeal. With high-profile backers and plenty of money, the sport will be under consideration on any list of future Olympic sports
- Wakeboarding: An exhilarating water sport that blends elements of surfing, snowboarding, and water skiing. Wakeboarding is a young and new sport that appeals to youthful audiences, and may be what the IOC is after, however, it will have to wait a while before being considered again for the Olympics.
- Wushu: Wushu is a Chinese martial art that encompasses a diverse range of styles characterized by fluid movements, acrobatics, and choreographed routines. Its inclusion in the Olympics would highlight the artistry and athleticism of traditional Chinese culture while attracting interest from martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. While not on the official program, nor an official demonstration event, there was a Wushu Tournament held during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Related Pages
- POLL: Which of these sports should be next included in the Games?
- Discussion about including Olympic sports
- List of sports for each Olympiad
- About the number of sports at each Olympiad, and also the changes over time.
- How sports are selected for the Olympics
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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