By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
ANKARA (AA) - The initial sports program of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles approved Thursday by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not include boxing, weightlifting and modern pentathlon.
The Committee said in a statement the program includes all youth-focused sports like skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing.
The IOC previously voiced concerns about the International Boxing Association (AIBA) regarding governance, financial transparency, sustainability and the integrity of its refereeing and judging processes.
It also previously brought concerns to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) about its anti-doping program and to the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) about inadequacies related to areas of safety, accessibility, universality and appeal for young people.
Boxing, weightlifting and modern pentathlon may "potentially" be included in the initial program for the 2028 Games as a 2023 IOC session will be held, according to the statement.
Additional sports proposals will also be evaluated at the IOC session in 2023.