Olympics 2028 to set record for number of women’s teams in all sports
For the first time in Olympic history, the number of women’s teams will be equal to or greater than men’s teams — a major step toward full gender parity in sports.
The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles will be historic in terms of gender equality: for the first time, all team sports will feature an equal number of women’s and men’s teams, according to the website of the International Olympic Committee.
In water polo, the number of women’s teams has been increased to 12, matching the men’s. In football, for the first time in Olympic history, there will be more women’s teams — 16 compared to 12 men’s teams.
The principle of gender parity was the foundation for quota distribution and event planning.
Out of 10,500 athletes expected at the Games, 5,333 will be women and 5,167 will be men. Additional disciplines will add 322 female athletes and 376 male athletes. Of the 351 events, 161 will be women’s, 165 men’s, and 25 mixed.
The number of mixed events has also increased: archery, athletics, table tennis, golf, gymnastics, and rowing have all added new mixed team competitions.
Boxing now includes a new women’s weight category, ensuring full equality in the number of medals and participants.
New disciplines have been added in swimming and sport climbing, offering more opportunities for athletes to compete.
The 2028 Summer Olympics will be the 34th Olympic Games and will take place in Los Angeles. The city originally applied to host the 2024 Games but agreed in 2017, after negotiations with the IOC, to host the 2028 edition instead.
The decision was officially announced during an IOC session in Lima. The Los Angeles authorities pledged to make this Olympics the most environmentally friendly in history, with a ban on car use and a focus on sustainable infrastructure.