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Not every athlete can compete in the Olympics, nor is every competitive sport recognized as an official one. The list entails around forty sports, including only games with global popularity and international recognition.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. As per the USA pickleball reports, nearly 9 million players played the game in the USA alone in 2023, while Sportico says the number is 13.6 million.
Also, the new and exciting paddle sport is not only trending in the US, but its popularity is rising worldwide. Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain, and the UK are a few countries where the game is gaining popularity rapidly.
Despite this, it is not officially recognized as an Olympic sport yet. In this article, we will explore why the game has not made it to the Olympics, what are the odds of the game achieving Olympic status, and when could we see the game make the list.
Exploring the Global Pickleball Phenomenon
There are over 1,500 pickleball courts in Canada. The number of clubs is rising and many cities host pickleball tournaments in Australia. The game is becoming a favorite for senior citizens and older adults in the UK, while the number of pickleball clubs in Spain is also on the rise. Even China, a country with a rich history of paddle and racket sports, is becoming a fan of the game.
Safe to say, it is the hottest-rising paddle game worldwide. Not because it is fun and exciting, but also because it is an excellent low-impact exercise. Also, the fact that its court is not much different than a tennis court helps in the growing popularity of the game.
In tandem, these factors have helped the game become a phenomenon worldwide, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Does Pickleball Have an International Federation?
A key criterion for inclusion in the Olympic event is that the game must have an international governing body or federation. Luckily, pickleball has two international federations, including the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) and the International Pickleball Federation (IPF).
The first was established in 2018, while the second’s origin dates back to 2010. These bodies have contributed significantly to the international sport’s growth and popularity and play a vital role in building its case for the Olympics.
However, having an international federation isn’t enough to book a berth in the Olympics, and the sport must pass complex selection criteria to earn a spot in the grandest sporting event of them all.
How Can a Sport Qualify for the Olympics?
The international appeal of the Olympic event means only the best-of-the-best or the most popular games can become official Olympic sports.
There is a well-defined criteria for Olympic admission. Per it, besides having an international governing body, the sport must abide by or follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) anti-doping code.
Even though the above is not a challenge, as with international recognition comes the adoption of universal codes like anti-doping codes, the hurdle is global popularity.
Per the rules, men’s sports must be popular across a minimum of 75 countries across four continents to become eligible for the Olympics, while women’s sports must be widely played and popular across a minimum of forty countries across three continents.
In addition, there are other factors that contribute to the selection, like global appeal, costs, and viewership. Also, the number of official Olympic sports is nearly fixed, so the only way to book a spot is to either out-famous the sports on the list or wait for some to lose their charm.
Examples of Sports Recently Added to the Olympics
In December 2014, the Olympic Agenda 2020 was adopted to allow the Organising Committee of a specific Olympic Games to propose additional events from sports governed by IOC Recognised IFs, aiming to enhance the Games’ popularity while maintaining manageable athlete numbers, costs, and complexity.
Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee was the first OCOG able to propose new sports and included five new sports for its edition of the Summer Games – surfing, karate, sports climbing, skateboarding and baseball/softball. The inclusion had a significant impact on the Olympics, attracting a younger and more diverse audience.
These additions demonstrate the International Olympic Committee’s willingness to include sports that resonate with younger audiences and have a strong cultural impact. The inclusion of these sports also highlights the dynamic nature of the Olympics and its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of international sports.
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Will Pickleball Become an Olympic Sport?
Despite the strict Olympic requirements, the odds of pickleball becoming an official Olympic sport are rising day by day. The reason is its growing popularity worldwide and the fact that other sports (paddle sports) have consistently made the list, including ping pong.
Per the International Pickleball Federation (IPF), paddle sport has seen a 360% rise in popularity worldwide and is now popular across 60 countries. So, the goal is in sight, and it won’t be a surprise to see the sport hit the milestone pretty soon.
The growing popularity of the game hints it is not a matter of if but when, and from current trends, it is safe to say there is almost a guarantee that it will be an official sport in the Olympics sooner rather than later.
When Could Pickleball Join the Summer Olympics?
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 are over a month away and pickleball is not a part of the event. The next summer games will be held in the year 2028 in Los Angeles, USA. Will it make the list?
The short answer is no. Even though the location is perfect, the birthplace of the game, it is unlikely that the sport will exceed the international popularity threshold or meet the criteria in time.
A list of proposed additional sports for the Summer Olympics is submitted three to four years before the event, and pickleball was not part of the Olympic lineup for the 2024 Los Angeles Games.
So, the next likely stop is Brisbane, Australia, in 2032. And, the fact the event is eight years away and the game is already picking up steam in the land down under, it is safe to say 2032 will be the year the game reaches the pinnacle of sporting events.
The Challenges Ahead
The Olympics is not a yearly event. There is a four-year window between every event. Though the break builds the allure and prestige of the event, it makes it hard for new sports to make the list.
The lengthy window means the opportunity only comes once every four years, and the sport must sustain prolonged popularity and demonstrate continuous rise to become an official Olympic sport.
Add to that, the general public interest and sentiment matters. The game must not only be popular, but it must also be a spectator sport. Also, there needs to be a high interest in the game and a worldwide fanbase to enter the prestigious list.
Efforts to Make Pickleball an Olympic Sport
Advocacy by Pickleball Organizations
Pickleball organizations have been at the forefront of advocating for the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics. The World Pickleball Federation (WPF) and the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) have been actively promoting the sport through international tournaments, partnerships, and campaigns to raise awareness.
These organizations have also been working on expanding the sport’s reach by establishing more clubs and courts worldwide and encouraging participation at all levels. Their efforts include lobbying with national and international sports bodies to recognize pickleball as a competitive sport deserving of Olympic consideration.
Steps Taken Towards Meeting IOC Criteria
To meet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) criteria, pickleball has taken several significant steps. The sport has seen a concerted effort to comply with the IOC’s anti-doping regulations, ensuring that all players adhere to strict anti-doping policies.
Furthermore, the sport’s governing bodies have focused on increasing its global presence. This includes efforts to popularize the sport in countries where it is less known and establishing more international competitions. The goal is to achieve the required level of participation across the necessary number of countries and continents.
Additionally, the sport’s governing bodies have been enhancing the organizational structure of the sport, ensuring standardized rules and regulations are followed globally.
How Olympic Inclusion Could Change the Pickleball Sport?
Becoming an official Olympic sport is an incredible achievement. The recognition comes with increased visibility and popularity. Safe to say, the road only gets easier from then onwards. Participating in a global event like the Olympics also helps the sport secure more funding and development opportunities.
As a result, the sport grows rapidly and evolves for the better. Also, becoming an Olympian is a dream for many athletes; hence, inclusion in the event implies a rise in youth participation and grassroots programs.
Further, the fact that pickleball is a low-impact exercise ideal for people of all ages, the international fame and popularity that comes with its Olympic inclusion will only benefit society as a whole. More and more senior citizens will learn about the game and their overall health will improve positively.
This is another reason why the game deserves a slot in the Olympics, as not many games are as low-impact and highly exciting. Pickleball is an exception in a way that it is equally exciting yet adaptable, making it a perfect sport for almost anyone and everyone.
Pickleball for Different Ages
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@ Selkirk TV
@ The Landings
@ Eat This, Not That!
The Final Word
The truth is pickleball is on its way to becoming an official sport in the Olympics. The road ahead is bumpy and the next shot is eight years away, but the likelihood is high.
In 2022, it was accepted as a demonstration sport in the Maccabiah Games, the third-largest sporting event in the world. So, it is safe to say it will continue its rise and strengthen its contention for the Olympics shortly.
So, if you dream of competing at the grandest stage of them all, it is about time you pick up the paddle and begin your journey. There is still time to perfect your skills, outperform other pickleball players, and build your case the same way the sport is building its case, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pickleball a Part of the Paris Olympics 2024?
A: No, it is not a part of the Paris Olympics 2024. Even though four new games will make their first appearance in the event, including breaking (break dancing), sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, pickleball is not on the list. The Olympic Games will take place from 26 July and last till 11 August.
Q: Can Pickleball Become a Special Olympic Sport?
A: The low-impact nature and adaptability of sports make it ideal for contention in the Special Olympic Games. However, it is not yet a special Olympic sport. The odds are the game will enter the Special Olympics sooner rather than later.
In recent years, several events and competitions have been held locally, nationally, and regionally, including the Special Olympics North America Tennis and Pickleball Championship in 2023, which builds the case for its inclusion.