Unlocking India’s Medal Potential: The Impact of New Sports in the LA 2028 Olympics

By Nishad Bapat

Hyderabad: The Olympics are heading to Los Angeles in 2028, and there are exciting updates. Five new sports have been added: Cricket, Squash, and Compound Archery, while boxing remains in the lineup after some earlier doubts.

These additions could boost India’s chances of winning more medals. The country has long awaited Compound Archery’s inclusion, and now it’s finally happening.

A Look Back at India’s Olympic Journey

India’s Olympic history has had its ups and downs. The nation won its first medal in 1900, when Norman Pritchard took home silver. Back then, India finished 19th overall—a record for its Olympic history. Historically, hockey brought home many medals for India, but other sports are gaining momentum. In recent years, India has been diversifying its medal-winning efforts, showcasing talent across various disciplines.

With the new sports added, India aims to reach double-digit medals in 2028. The country secured seven medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and six in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The goal is clear: more sports, more chances.

Potential for Increased Medal Count

Compound Archery

The addition of Compound Archery could significantly change the game for India. While Recurve Archery has been part of the Olympics, Compound Archery has shown immense potential. At the recent Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, Indian archers dominated, winning every available medal in this category. Currently, Jyothi Surekha Vennam ranks fourth globally among women in compound archery, and several Indian men are in the top ten as well. Given India’s consistent performance, this sport holds strong medal prospects.

Cricket

Cricket makes a triumphant return to the Olympics after 128 years. Six teams will compete, and as hosts, the USA will likely gain direct entry. The Indian cricket team has been on fire lately, winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025. This momentum positions India as a serious contender for gold.

According to recent statistics, cricket viewership surged during the ICC tournaments, indicating a growing fan base. The excitement among fans on social media platforms is palpable, with hashtags like #LA28 trending as people celebrate cricket’s return.

Boxing

Boxing will also feature in the Olympics, easing earlier concerns about its inclusion. There will be seven categories for men and eight for women. India has historically secured three Olympic boxing medals. Recently, at the World Boxing Cup, Indian athletes brought home six medals, including a gold from Hitesh Gulia in the men’s 70kg division. Though expectations may be tempered, the boxing team has the potential to achieve podium finishes.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promise to be a thrilling event for India. The inclusion of new sports not only enhances competition but also opens up fresh paths for success. As the country prepares, sports fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see how these changes impact the medal tallies and inspire the next generation of athletes.

For more insights on Olympic events and updates, check sources like the International Olympic Committee and other reputable sports news.

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