HOW NEW OLYMPIC SPORTS ARE CHOSEN

The Olympic Games, celebrated as the pinnacle of global sports competition, feature a carefully curated selection of events that showcase athleticism, skill, and international appeal. The inclusion of new sports in the Olympics is a meticulous process, reflecting the evolving interests of the global audience and advancements in the world of sports. This article explores how new Olympic sports are chosen, detailing the criteria, decision-making process, and the influence of societal and cultural trends.

(I)Criteria for Inclusion

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) follows a well-defined set of criteria when evaluating potential new sports. These criteria ensure that any new addition aligns with the values of the Olympic Movement and enhances the overall appeal of the Games. Key factors include:

• Global Popularity: A sport must demonstrate significant participation across multiple continents. Sports with strong regional followings but limited global reach may struggle to gain acceptance.
• Youth Appeal: To attract younger audiences and remain relevant, the IOC prioritizes sports that resonate with the youth. For example, skateboarding and surfing were added to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to appeal to younger demographics.
• Gender Equality: The IOC strives for gender balance in all sports, ensuring opportunities for both men and women to compete at the highest levels.
• Cost and Logistics: Practical considerations like the cost of organizing competitions, venue requirements, and accessibility for athletes are taken into account. Sports that require complex infrastructure or expensive equipment might face challenges in gaining approval.
• Ethics and Fair Play: Any sport considered for inclusion must uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and integrity that are central to the Olympic spirit. This includes ensuring doping control and adherence to universal rules.
• Spectator Interest: The potential to captivate audiences, both in-person and through media broadcasts, is crucial. Sports that deliver high-energy, visually engaging competitions often have an advantage.

(II)The Decision-Making Process

The journey of a sport from proposal to Olympic inclusion involves several steps, overseen by the IOC and its subsidiary organizations.

• Proposal Submission: Governing bodies of sports, known as International Federations (IFs), submit proposals for their sport to be included in the Olympics. These proposals must provide detailed information on the sport’s global presence, rules, and alignment with Olympic values.
• IOC Evaluation: The IOC conducts a thorough evaluation of the sport, considering the aforementioned criteria. This includes reviewing data on participation, audience demographics, and logistical requirements.
• Recommendation by the Olympic Programme Commission: The Olympic Programme Commission, a specialized IOC body, reviews the evaluation and makes recommendations to the IOC Executive Board.
• IOC Executive Board Decision: The Executive Board decides whether to forward the sport for approval by the full IOC Session. This decision is based on the sport’s ability to contribute to the success and modernization of the Games.
• Final Vote by the IOC Session: The final decision rests with the IOC Session, a gathering of IOC members. A majority vote determines whether the sport will be included in the Olympic program.

(III)Recent Additions and Trends

The process of adding new sports has gained momentum in recent years, reflecting the IOC’s willingness to adapt to changing global interests. Notable examples include:

• Skateboarding, Surfing, and Sport Climbing: These sports were added to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as part of an effort to connect with younger audiences and showcase dynamic, high-energy competitions.
• Breakdancing: Officially known as “Breaking,” this dance form will debut in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Its inclusion highlights the IOC’s embrace of urban and youth culture.
• Karate: While included in Tokyo 2020 as a host-country choice, karate’s global popularity and cultural significance made it a strong contender for permanent inclusion in future Games.

(IV)Challenges in Adding New Sports

While the process is designed to be inclusive and forward-looking, there are inherent challenges:

• Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The Olympics must strike a balance between honoring traditional sports like athletics and gymnastics and embracing contemporary, unconventional sports.
• Limited Slots: The IOC caps the number of sports, athletes, and events for logistical and financial reasons. Adding a new sport often means removing an existing one, a decision that can spark controversy.
• Diverse Stakeholder Interests: The IOC must navigate the competing interests of athletes, national committees, broadcasters, and fans when making decisions.

(V)Host Country Influence

Host countries have a unique opportunity to propose sports for inclusion in their edition of the Olympics. These sports reflect local culture and traditions, as seen with karate in Tokyo and baseball/softball in past Games. However, these additions are often temporary and do not guarantee permanent inclusion in future Olympics.

In The End

The selection of new Olympic sports is a dynamic process, reflecting the evolving landscape of global sports and the IOC’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By adhering to strict criteria and balancing diverse interests, the IOC ensures that the Olympics remain a celebration of excellence and unity. The addition of contemporary sports alongside traditional events enriches the Games, making them more engaging for audiences worldwide while preserving their timeless appeal.