Correct Answer : Option (D) - All of the above

The International Olympic Committee announced on Monday (16th Oct 2023) it has accepted a proposal by local organizers of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles to add baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash to the event's sports program.

The Los Angeles Olympics will mark the first time ever that flag football and squash have been played. Baseball and softball were included most recently at the Tokyo games in 2020, while cricket was played during Paris Olympics in 1900 and lacrosse was included in the program in St. Louis in 1904 and in London in 1908.

"The choice of these five new sports is in line with the American sports culture and will showcase iconic American sports to the world, while bringing international sports to the United States. These sports will make the Olympic Games LA28 unique," IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement. "Their inclusion will allow the Olympic Movement to engage with new athlete and fan communities in the U.S. and globally."

LA28 organizers announced earlier this month they were proposing to add the five sports, saying they would reflect the "diversity, optimism and creativity" of Los Angeles.

In a statement Monday, LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman said, "I have long believed that we have an incredible opportunity in Los Angeles to create the most compelling Games, not just for us, but for the world. Our Olympic sport programme, in its entirety, reflects this belief. We are excited to embark on game-changing collaborations with major professional leagues that will unlock massive opportunities to amplify the Olympic and Paralympic story and captivate new audiences."

According to the IOC, sports are selected for the Games after an analysis of various criteria, including gender equality. It also considered the "utilization of existing facilities, involving a wide range of sports communities both in the United States and globally, and incorporating some of the most popular sports in the United States and across the globe."

USA Baseball CEO Paul Seiler issued a statement saying he was "thrilled" to have baseball/softball in the lineup.

"The inclusion of baseball and softball will undoubtedly enhance the experience of the Games, as both sports have enjoyed global success in recent years and deserve to be celebrated on the international stage," Seiler said.

Source : CBS News