IOC Approves Additional Sports for Los Angeles 2028, Boxing's Future Remains Uncertain

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has given its approval to the inclusion of five additional sports proposed by the Organising Committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. However, amidst this positive development, boxing is once again facing an uncertain future. The IOC Executive Board has backed the inclusion of cricket, baseball and softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash in the Olympic programme. These sports have been recognized for their popularity and global appeal, making them valuable additions to the Games. In addition to these sports, modern pentathlon, featuring obstacle racing, and weightlifting have also been restored to the Olympic programme. These decisions highlight the IOC's commitment to maintaining a diverse range of sports that showcase the physical prowess and skill of athletes from around the world. However, the status of boxing remains unclear. The International Boxing Association (IBA) has been expelled from the Olympic Movement due to governance and financial issues. This decision has left the future of boxing at the Olympics in a state of flux. Furthermore, a breakaway rival body known as World Boxing has failed to garner the expected support it needed to establish itself as a legitimate governing body for the sport. This lack of consensus within the boxing community has further complicated the situation. The IOC has expressed its concern over the governance and integrity of the sport of boxing. It has taken steps to ensure that the athletes' interests and the Olympic values are protected. The IOC has established a task force to oversee the sport and ensure fair competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The future of boxing at the Olympics will depend on the ability of the sport's governing bodies to address the concerns raised by the IOC and restore the sport's credibility. It is crucial for the sport to have a unified and transparent governing body that upholds the principles of fair play and athlete welfare. The IOC's decision to include additional sports in the Olympic programme reflects its commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of sports and embracing new and exciting disciplines. The inclusion of cricket, baseball and softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash will provide athletes from these sports with a platform to showcase their skills on the global stage. As the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games begins, it is hoped that the uncertainty surrounding the inclusion of boxing will be resolved. The IOC, along with the boxing community, must work together to ensure that the sport's future at the Olympics is secure and that the athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level. In conclusion, the IOC Executive Board's approval of additional sports for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is a positive development. However, the uncertain future of boxing raises concerns about the sport's inclusion. It is imperative for the boxing community to address the governance and integrity issues to secure the sport's place in the Olympic programme.