I’ve always been fascinated by the wide variety of sports that people enjoy around the world. While the Olympics showcase many of them, not all sports make the cut. Some popular sports like cricket, polo, and squash are surprisingly not part of the Olympic Games. Despite their global following and rich history, these games continue to be left out for various reasons.
You might wonder why certain sports don’t qualify for the Olympics. The reasons range from the International Olympic Committee’s criteria to issues like gender equity and global reach. For instance, cricket has a massive fan base and is played at highly competitive levels, but it’s still not an Olympic sport. Kabaddi, a traditional sport from South Asia, is another example of a well-loved game that hasn’t made it to the Olympics.
Emerging and niche sports also face challenges when trying to get Olympic recognition. Sepak Takraw, a sport featured in the Asian Games, and sports like darts and bowling are yet to become a part of the Olympic roster. Understanding these exclusions can offer a fresh perspective on the diversity and complexity of the sports world.
Key Takeaways
- The Olympics don’t include popular sports like cricket and squash.
- International Olympic Committee criteria often influence the exclusion of certain sports.
- Emerging and niche sports face challenges in gaining Olympic recognition.
Understanding the Olympics
The Olympics are a global event featuring various sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) plays a key role in organizing the games, while strict criteria determine which sports are included.
Role of the International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) oversees the entire Olympic movement.
It was founded in 1894 and is responsible for the Summer and Winter Olympics.
The IOC selects host cities and ensures the games follow the Olympic Charter.
The committee also manages the addition or removal of sports, working with international sports federations.
Every decision aims to keep the Olympics fair and inclusive.
Criteria for Olympic Inclusion
Sports must meet several criteria to be included in the Olympics.
One key factor is the global popularity of a sport. It needs to be widely played and watched.
Gender equity is crucial, meaning sports must offer events for both men and women.
Additionally, the sport must align with the values of the Olympic Charter, like fair play and sportsmanship.
The Olympic Programme Commission reviews potential sports before making recommendations to the IOC.
Popular Sports Not Included in the Olympics
Many popular sports, despite their massive followings and rich histories, are not included in the Olympics. Here are some of the most notable examples, with millions of fans around the world and well-established leagues and competitions.
Cricket
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Cricket is one of the most widely played sports globally, with 2.5 billion fans, particularly in countries like India, Australia, and England. It’s famous for its long matches and diverse formats, from the short and exciting T20 games to the lengthy test matches. The sport has a dedicated following, but it hasn’t been part of the Olympic program, which is surprising given its popularity and the enthusiasm of its fans.
Baseball and Softball
Baseball, a beloved sport in the United States, thrives through Major League Baseball (MLB), while softball is its popular variant. These sports were part of the Olympics until recently, with baseball and softball excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nonetheless, they are scheduled to return for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Fans miss seeing these dynamic and strategic sports on the Olympic stage.
Squash
Squash is a fast-paced racquet sport known for its demanding physical and mental challenges. Despite being played globally and having a devoted fan base, it has not made it to the Olympic roster. The sport’s advocates argue that squash’s intensity and athleticism make it a perfect fit for the Olympics, but it remains on the sidelines.
Karate
Karate made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, delighting fans worldwide. Yet, it was short-lived as it’s not included in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This martial art, which combines discipline, skill, and strength, has millions of practitioners and enthusiasts who hope to see it back in the Olympic lineup in the future.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse, known for its speed and skill, is popular in North America, especially in the United States and Canada. The sport has historical Native American roots and has grown in popularity over the years. Despite this, it hasn’t been included in the Olympics for many decades. Efforts are ongoing to reintroduce lacrosse to the Olympic program, highlighting its rich heritage and exciting gameplay.
American Football
American football, particularly the NFL, enjoys massive viewership and fandom in the United States. However, its high physical demands and popularity primarily in North America have kept it out of the Olympics. While it’s a staple in American culture, including it in the Olympics poses logistical challenges due to the sport’s unique requirements and limited global reach.
Netball
Netball is hugely popular, especially among women, in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Known for its fast-paced and strategic plays, netball has a significant following. Though it’s played by millions worldwide and features in the Commonwealth Games, it hasn’t yet been included in the Olympic program, much to the disappointment of its fans.
Bowling
Bowling, a sport enjoyed by millions from recreational alleys to professional leagues, is another surprising omission from the Olympics. The sport’s simplicity and appeal have drawn many enthusiasts. Competitive bowling features international championships and well-known players, yet it hasn’t secured a spot in the Olympic Games despite efforts by the bowling community.
Emerging and Niche Sports
It’s fascinating how many exciting sports are growing in popularity but aren’t part of the Olympics. Some of these sports have passionate global followings and offer unique challenges that capture the imagination of a younger audience.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, combines techniques from disciplines like boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. It’s a combat sport where fighters use various techniques to win matches. MMA events, such as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), have grown a massive following worldwide, mainly because of their exciting and unpredictable nature.
The sport’s appeal lies in its high intensity and the skill level of the fighters. Despite its popularity, MMA isn’t in the Olympics due to concerns about safety and the sport’s aggressive nature. Mixed Martial Arts remains a favorite among younger fans who enjoy the mix of strategy, skill, and sheer athleticism.
Floorball
Floorball is a type of floor hockey with five players and a goalkeeper on each side. The game is played indoors with a plastic ball and lightweight sticks. Originating in Sweden, it has gained popularity across Europe, especially in schools and amateur leagues.
One of the main attractions of floorball is its fast pace and the focus on skill rather than physical contact. It’s recognized by the International Floorball Federation (IFF), and there are world championships held regularly. Floorball is particularly appealing to young audiences due to its accessibility and emphasis on teamwork and strategy.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a team sport that combines elements of tag and wrestling. Originating from South Asia, it’s especially popular in India, Iran, and Bangladesh. Teams take turns sending a “raider” into the opponent’s half to tag as many defenders as possible without being tackled.
With its quick, intense plays and unique blend of strength and strategy, kabaddi has a unique charm. The Pro Kabaddi League has significantly increased the sport’s popularity, bringing it to a younger, global audience. Despite its popularity, it is not yet included in the Olympics.
Polo
Polo is one of the oldest team sports, dating back over 2,000 years. It involves teams of players on horseback using long-handled mallets to hit a ball into the opposing team’s goal. Polo is highly regarded in countries like Argentina, the US, and the UK.
The game demands high skill levels in riding and strategy. Although it was once part of the Olympics, it was last played at the Games in 1936. Polo remains popular among niche audiences and has a dedicated global fan base, though it has not made a significant comeback in the Olympic arena.
Water Motorsports
Water motorsports include various activities like jet skiing, powerboating, and hydroplane racing. These sports attract enthusiasts who love the thrill of speed on water. Events and competitions are held worldwide, showcasing both skill and powerful watercraft technology.
The excitement of water motorsports comes from their high-speed races and the technical prowess required to navigate and control the craft. While they enjoy certain popularity, these sports face challenges in getting Olympic recognition due to concerns over safety, logistics, and environmental impact, which limit their broader acceptance.
Traditional and Cultural Sports
Many traditional and cultural sports have rich histories and are celebrated worldwide. Let’s explore three intriguing sports: sumo wrestling, the Gaelic games, and sepak takraw.
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s most iconic sports. It dates back over 1,000 years. The objective is simple: force your opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body, except the soles of their feet, touch the ground.
Training for sumo wrestlers is intense. They live and practice at training stables, or “heya,” where they follow strict routines. The wrestlers, called “rikishi,” adhere to a daily regimen of exercise, practice, and diet.
Sumo matches take place in a “dohyō,” a circular ring made of clay and sand. Rituals and ceremonies, often rooted in Shinto traditions, play a major role in sumo culture. For instance, the ring-entering ceremony involves purifying the ring with salt to ward off evil spirits.
Gaelic Games
The Gaelic games include sports that originated in Ireland, namely hurling and Gaelic football. These games are deeply entwined with Irish culture, boasting a history that spans several centuries.
Hurling, known for its speed and skillful play, uses a small ball called a “sliotar” and a wooden stick called a “hurley.” Players aim to score by hitting the sliotar into the opponent’s goal or over the crossbar. It’s considered one of the fastest field sports in the world.
Gaelic football combines elements of soccer and rugby. Players can kick, catch, and hand-pass the ball to move it down the field. Scoring can be done by kicking the ball into the goal for three points or over the crossbar for one point.
Both sports are overseen by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which ensures they remain amateur sports, fostering community spirit and local talent.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak takraw is a fascinating sport from Southeast Asia, particularly popular in Thailand and Malaysia. It blends elements of volleyball, soccer, and martial arts.
Players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a rattan ball over a net. The game is played on a court similar to a badminton court, with three players on each team.
Sepak takraw demands agility and skill. The acrobatic kicks and volleys can be breathtaking. Players must have excellent reflexes and coordination. The sport’s unique techniques, such as the “spike” using the feet, make it incredibly exciting to watch.
Sepak takraw has grown beyond its traditional roots and is now played in various international competitions, showcasing its global appeal.
These traditional and cultural sports offer a window into the rich heritage of the countries where they originated. From the disciplined world of sumo wrestling to the dynamic play of hurling and the acrobatic flair of sepak takraw, these sports continue to captivate and inspire.
Key Factors Behind Non-Inclusion
Some sports aren’t in the Olympics for several reasons. These include infrastructure costs, gender equality concerns, global popularity, and the management of international sports federations.
Infrastructure and Cost
The infrastructure and cost required to host certain sports can be a major barrier. A sport like polo often involves specialized fields and maintaining horses, making it expensive for host cities. Similarly, cricket needs large stadiums which aren’t always available or used widely in all countries. These financial and logistical challenges can prevent some sports from being included in the Olympics.
Gender Equality
Gender equality is another key consideration. The Olympic Programme Commission requires that both men and women have opportunities to compete at similar levels. If a sport doesn’t offer equal participation for both genders, it’s less likely to be included. Achieving gender parity can be difficult in sports with historical male dominance, affecting their chances of being featured in the Olympics.
Global Popularity and Appeal
A sport must have wide-ranging global appeal. Cricket, despite having over 2.5 billion fans, isn’t played in many countries beyond the British Commonwealth. Sports that are popular only in certain regions may struggle to attract international attention, and thus fail to meet the criteria for Olympic inclusion. The goal is to include sports that have fans and participation from around the world.
International Federation Governance
The governance of a sport’s international federation also plays a role. The federation must demonstrate strong management, adherence to anti-doping regulations, and fair play standards. Some sports face issues within their international governing bodies, affecting their chances of Olympic inclusion. For example, mismanagement or corruption can hinder a sport’s credibility and its ability to satisfy Olympic standards.
Historical Perspective
Sports have come and gone from the Olympics over time. Some sports once featured in the Games are no longer contested today.
Discontinued Olympic Sports
The Olympics have seen many sports come and go. For instance, tug-of-war was part of the Olympics from 1900 to 1920. This sport involved teams pulling on opposite ends of a rope until one team was pulled across a line.
Another example is croquet, which was only included in the 1900 Paris Games. It didn’t attract much international participation.
Baseball and softball were popular in recent memory but were removed after the 2008 Games. Though they have returned for Tokyo 2020, their future in the Olympics is still uncertain.
Motorboating also appeared once in 1908. It was dropped due to a lack of spectator interest and the high cost of participation.
Case Studies and Success Stories
I want to share some insightful examples where certain sports have made significant strides, either by making their way into the Olympics or through notable achievements that caught the world’s attention.
Sport Climbing and Skateboarding
Sport climbing and skateboarding were among the new sports introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their inclusion was a huge success, drawing younger audiences and showcasing fresh athletic talent.
In sport climbing, athletes competed in speed, bouldering, and lead disciplines. This sport’s intense physical and mental challenges excited viewers and participants alike.
Skateboarding brought its street and park events to a global stage. The flair and creativity of skateboarders were finally recognized, and young skaters from different parts of the world got their chance to shine.
Both sports enjoyed great viewership and support, setting a precedent for their continued inclusion in future games.
Surfing’s Olympic Debut
Surfing made its much-anticipated debut at the Tokyo Olympics, held on the picturesque beaches of Japan. This event was met with enthusiasm from the global surfing community.
Competitors tackled various waves, showcasing their skills in shortboard events. The unpredictable nature of the ocean added an exciting element to the competition, drawing in fans and media attention worldwide.
Surfers from different countries put on thrilling performances, making a strong case for the sport’s future in the Games. With surfing set to feature in Paris 2024 and beyond, its Olympic journey is just beginning.
Looking Forward
The future of Olympic sports holds many possibilities and efforts by various sports organizations to gain inclusion. From emerging activities to traditional games seeking recognition, the landscape could evolve considerably.
Potential Future Olympic Sports
Several sports are vying for a spot in upcoming Olympics. For example, squash has continuously sought inclusion, with the World Squash Federation being very active in promoting its case.
Another candidate is esports. With a growing global audience and professional player base, esports could soon become a mainstay.
Cricket, particularly the T20 format, also has a strong chance, especially given its popularity in the Commonwealth Games. Skateboarding and climbing have recently been added, showing the International Olympic Committee’s interest in urban and adventure sports.
Lobbying by Sports Organizations
Various organizations are working tirelessly to get their sports into the Olympics. The World Squash Federation has led many campaigns, demonstrating the sport’s global appeal and competitive structure.
Similarly, the efforts of cricket’s governing bodies, like the International Cricket Council, are noteworthy. They’re pushing hard for cricket’s inclusion, leveraging its huge fan base in countries like India and Australia.
Esports has seen significant lobbying, too, with regular discussions with the International Olympic Committee. Many sports organizations rely on media coverage from places like USA Today to highlight their case and build public support.
This intensive lobbying helps these sports gain visibility and showcases their excellence, hoping someday they’ll be an Olympic event.
