Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, is growing in popularity around the world. With professional tours stretching from the United States to Australia and Asia, and with international players such as Catherine Parenteau of Canada and Federico Staksrud of Argentina, speculation is growing: Could pickleball one day become an Olympic sport?
Benefits of being included in the Olympic Games
Inclusion in the Olympic Games could bring significant benefits to pickleball:
- Increase global exposure: Participation in the Olympics would expose pickleball on a global stage and attract new players and fans around the world.
- Increased competition: Olympic status would likely increase the competitiveness of the sport as countries would invest more in training and attract top-class talent.
- Increased funding: Olympic status often leads to increased sponsorship and national funding, improving infrastructure and support for athletes.
Criteria for Admission to the Olympic Games
However, the inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics in the near future remains unlikely. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strict criteria for the inclusion of new sports. These include that the sport is widespread across all genders and continents and complies with the World Anti-Doping Code. In addition, the sports must be recognized by the IOC at least seven years before their inclusion in the Games.
A look at 2028 and beyond
The program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is already confirmed without pickleball. The earliest possible Olympic debut for the sport could be the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, although 2036 is more likely, given the need for further global development and IOC recognition.
Continuous Growth and Hope
Despite these challenges, the rapid growth and increasing popularity of pickleball means that it remains hopeful for an Olympic appearance in the future. Enthusiasts and players can enjoy the growing professional tours while also holding out hope for possible inclusion in the Olympics. For now, the pickleball community continues to grow and thrive, holding onto hope of one day seeing the sport on the grandest stage of all - the Olympics.
