Five sports that have never been part of Olympics ft. Netball

There are few sports which are still struggling to become a part of the Olympics.

The Olympics is always considered one of the most prestigious sporting events around the world which is held every four years in a designated nation. Countries all around the world send their top athletes to participate in their preferred events where they compete to claim top honours. 

It is majorly divided into three major categories, namely summer, winter, and Paralympics, where the summer Olympics is considered one of the most popular sporting events amongst sports enthusiasts around the world. 

A total of 32 different sports, which will feature 329 events are going to be part of the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, which is slated to begin on July 26, 2024, and will run till August 11, 2024. Apart from the listed sports, some sports till today have not been a part of the Olympic games. 

In this article, we will have a look at those five sports that are still waiting to secure a place in the mega extravaganza of events. 

1. Squash

Although squash has finally got the acceptance of getting its entry at the Olympics in the 2028 edition, it is still considered as one of the events that has never been part of it. Even with the gain in popularity of the sport, it could never make it to the Olympic games.

Generally stated as a descendant of tennis, squash had its origin in the prison of London in the 18th century. With its inclusion in the Olympics from the next edition, it will surely help the game to achieve more recognition around the world.  

2. Snooker

Originating in India in 1875, snooker has always been stated as a gentlemen’s game. It’s mostly popular in the UK, China, and some other commonwealth countries around the world.

With the popularity of the game mostly limited to men, it hasn’t got the acceptance yet at the Olympics. The sport has now failed to be a part of the Paris 2024 Olympics and also in Tokyo.

In the years to come, like any other game in the world, if the fandom starts rising and people opt for it irrespective of the gender, then it might some day get its entry to the mega stage.

3. Netball

Again netball faces the same demerit, less participation of a particular gender. It’s mostly seen as a female game, where male’s involvement or career certainty is next to none.

Some might misjudge it as a basketball game but a thorough understanding will clear out the difference between the two of the games. World Netball was unsuccessful in its attempt to participate at the Tokyo Olmypics 2020.

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Although it hasn’t paved its way to the Olympics, with the increase in the fan following and more participation by boys and girls from all around the world might help the sport find a way into the world stage.

World Netball organisation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The game might find its way to Olympics soon as it is halfway there.

4. Roller Sports

Since 2000, roller sports have kept their eye on the Olympics. Even after repeated attempts, they are yet to find a spot in the sports event.

Even with a massive list of sporting events already listed in the Olympics, it might be difficult to find a name of another game without turning out some which have been enrolled before. 

Some might assume the ice-skating events as roller skating. Although they have some similarity, they don’t represent the same game. Infact ice-skating sports are already included in the Winter Olympics. 

5. Mixed Martial Arts

Undoubtedly Mixed Martial Arts have gained huge popularity in the last some years, especially amongst the youths. Still it’s not considered for the Olympics and might never get an acceptance by the Olympics board. 

The major reason for keeping it away from the Olympics is that, being a violent and injury ridden game, it breaches the IOC’s values.

Interestingly other martial arts games, such as taekwondo and karate are part of the Olympics as they have a certain scoring rule and are played with needed protective gears.  

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