PICKLEBALL UPDATE: IOC Issues Statement on Pickleball Inclusion in Los Angeles Olympics Following Developments in Delhi
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially addressed the growing speculation surrounding pickleball’s potential inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Following recent developments in Delhi, where the sport saw significant international attention during a high-profile exhibition event, the IOC is evaluating whether pickleball meets the necessary criteria for Olympic inclusion.
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has experienced an unprecedented surge in global popularity.
Advocates have been pushing for its Olympic debut, citing the sport’s widespread participation and accessibility across all age groups. However, Olympic inclusion is no simple feat.
The IOC has stringent requirements that must be met, including global participation benchmarks, structured governance, and a demonstrated level of competitiveness at the international level.
The exhibition event in Delhi featured players from over 20 countries, showcasing the sport’s growing reach.
This display of global participation and competitiveness reportedly impressed several IOC officials in attendance, prompting further discussions on the possibility of granting the sport provisional Olympic status.
In their statement, the IOC outlined the next steps for pickleball’s path to potential inclusion.
Key areas of improvement include strengthening the sport’s international governing body and expanding global participation, particularly in underrepresented regions like Africa and South America.
Additionally, the sport must demonstrate a clear pathway for international competitions leading up to the Olympics.
USA Pickleball, the sport’s leading governing body in the United States, welcomed the news.
“We are excited by the IOC’s acknowledgment of pickleball’s global growth and remain committed to working with all international stakeholders to achieve Olympic inclusion,” said a spokesperson.
Should pickleball gain official recognition in time, it would mark a historic moment for the sport and its passionate community of players and fans.
As the world awaits further developments, the pickleball community is more energized than ever, hopeful that the sport’s Olympic dreams will soon become reality.
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