World Games Japan Announces 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Inclusion of Flag Football and Lacrosse

japan Gears Up for World Games in Chengdu: A Chance for Global Sportsmanship and Future Olympic Stars

TOKYO – July 18, 2025 – The Japanese national team, poised to compete in the upcoming World Games in Chengdu, China, commencing August 7th, was celebrated at a spirited send-off party held in Tokyo today. This prestigious international multi-sport event, held quadrennially and distinct from the Olympic Games, offers a meaningful platform for athletes to showcase their talents and foster global connections.the World Games represents a vital prospect for athletes outside the conventional Olympic disciplines to gain international recognition and experience.Japan has a strong track record at the event, with the previous edition in Birmingham, USA in 2022 yielding an remarkable 10 gold medals, notably from Yasuki Nakamura (now Yokozuna Onosato) in sumo wrestling and Ami Yuasa in breaking.

This year marks the 12th iteration of the World Games, featuring 32 official sports and two additional disciplines. Athletes and coaches from various sports were in attendance, each highlighting the unique appeal and excitement of their respective fields. Particular buzz surrounded disciplines like flag football, lacrosse, squash, and softball, all of which have been recognized as additional events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, signaling their growing global importance.

“I hope you will take this opportunity to deepen your interactions with fellow members from all over the world, and serve as international kind through sports,” encouraged Hiroji Murofushi, Director General of the Agency for sports, in his address to the delegation.Representing the athletes, Toshi Nishiyama of the lifesaving team and Maho Makoto of karate delivered the athletes’ oath. “I hereby promise to take the tournament with all my might so that I can bring courage and hope to people,” they pledged, embodying the spirit of dedication and aspiration that defines athletes preparing for international competition.

Evergreen Insight: The World Games serves as a crucial stepping stone for emerging sports and athletes. Its inclusion of disciplines like flag football and breaking,which are making their Olympic debut in the coming years,underscores its role in identifying and nurturing future Olympic hopefuls. Furthermore, the emphasis on “international friendly through sports” highlights the enduring power of athletic competition to bridge cultural divides and promote global understanding, a message that resonates far beyond the tournament itself.

What criteria did teh IOC use to evaluate sports for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

The Rise of Flag Football & Lacrosse: A New Olympic Chapter

The world Games Japan recently confirmed a significant development for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: the inclusion of both flag football and lacrosse. This marks a pivotal moment for both sports, bringing them to the world’s largest sporting stage and expanding the Olympic program to appeal to a broader audience. The decision,ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC),reflects a strategic move towards incorporating dynamic,youth-focused sports. This article dives into the details of this exciting proclamation, exploring the implications for athletes, fans, and the future of thes games.

Understanding the Olympic Inclusion Process

The path to Olympic inclusion isn’t straightforward. Sports must meet stringent criteria set by the IOC, focusing on factors like global participation, youth appeal, and gender equality. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics committee specifically sought sports that resonated with the Californian and American sporting landscape.

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Initial Proposal: The LA28 committee proposes a shortlist of sports for consideration.
2. IOC Evaluation: the IOC assesses the proposed sports based on established criteria.
3. Board Approval: The IOC Executive Board reviews the evaluation and makes a suggestion.
4. IOC Session Vote: The final decision rests with a vote by the full IOC membership.

Flag football and lacrosse successfully navigated this process, demonstrating strong potential for growth and engagement.

Flag Football: A Growing Global Sport

Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, has experienced explosive growth in recent years, especially among youth and women. Its accessibility and lower barrier to entry compared to tackle football have fueled its popularity.

International federation of American Football (IFAF): IFAF has been instrumental in promoting flag football globally, organizing international championships and developing standardized rules.

youth Participation: flag football is increasingly popular in schools and recreational leagues worldwide, offering a safe and inclusive alternative to tackle football.

Women’s Flag Football: The sport is witnessing a surge in female participation, with dedicated leagues and international competitions gaining traction.The inclusion in the Olympics is expected to further accelerate this growth.

Olympic Format: The Olympic flag football tournament will feature a 5-on-5 format, emphasizing speed, agility, and strategic play.

Lacrosse: A Return to the Olympic Stage

Lacrosse has a rich history, originating with Native American tribes. It previously appeared in the Olympics at the 1904 and 1908 Games, but was afterward removed. Its return in 2028 represents a significant milestone for the sport.

World Lacrosse: The international governing body for lacrosse has been actively campaigning for Olympic inclusion for years.

Two Disciplines: The 2028 Olympics will feature both men’s and women’s lacrosse. The men’s competition will be sixes (6v6), a fast-paced, smaller-field version of the game, while the women’s competition will be the traditional 10-player format.

Global Expansion: Lacrosse is gaining popularity in countries beyond its traditional strongholds of North America, Australia, and the UK.The Olympics will provide a platform to showcase the sport to a global audience.

Increased Visibility: The Olympic spotlight is expected to drive increased participation and investment in lacrosse programs worldwide.

Benefits of Inclusion: Beyond the Games

The inclusion of flag football and lacrosse offers numerous benefits:

Youth engagement: Both sports appeal to a younger demographic, aligning with the IOC’s efforts to attract a new generation of Olympic fans.

Gender Equality: The inclusion of women’s competitions in both sports promotes gender equality within the Olympic program.

Global Development: The Olympics will provide resources and support for the development of these sports in emerging nations.

Increased Sponsorship: The heightened visibility of flag football and lacrosse is expected to attract increased sponsorship opportunities.

Economic Impact: The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will benefit from the added excitement and revenue generated by these new sports.

Preparing for 2028: Athlete Pathways and Training

With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, athletes and national governing bodies are already preparing.

National Team Selection: National teams will be formed through rigorous qualification processes, including trials and international competitions.

Training Programs: Dedicated training programs are being developed to prepare athletes for the unique demands of Olympic competition.

Infrastructure Development: investment in infrastructure, such as training facilities and competition venues, is crucial for supporting athlete development.

* Coaching Education: Developing a strong pool of qualified coaches is essential for maximizing athlete potential.

Real-World Example: The Growth of Flag Football in Mexico

Mexico has seen a remarkable surge in flag football participation,driven by grassroots initiatives and support from IFAF. The Mexican national team has consistently performed well in international competitions, demonstrating the country’s growing strength in the sport. This success story highlights the potential for flag football to thrive in diverse cultural