IOC explores tent pegging’s Olympic potential
Published: 04:11 PM,Nov 16,2024 | EDITED : 08:11 PM,Nov 16,2024
IOC explores tent pegging’s Olympic potential
MUSCAT: The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, highlighted the multifaceted criteria for including new sports in the Olympic Games. Addressing an inquiry from the Oman Observer during a virtual meeting organised by AIPS, Bach discussed the challenges and considerations involved in adding a new Olympic sport or programme.
Key factors include the number of athletes — particularly significant for team sports — the availability of venues and the overall complexity of organisation. Bach emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance, stating: “We cannot let the Games grow endlessly, as this would limit hosting opportunities to only G20 or G7 nations, which is not our goal. Respecting the athlete limit of 10,500-11,000 is crucial, as is achieving gender parity for any sport to be included in the Olympic programme.”
The inquiry, part of the AIPS Centennial project “100 Olympic Stories told by 100 Young Reporters from 100 Nations,” specifically addressed the status of tent pegging — a traditional equestrian sport. Bach acknowledged the application submitted by the International Tent Pegging Federation, headquartered in Muscat, Oman, noting that the IOC Sports Department is reviewing it.
He explained the revised decision-making process for new sports, allowing the IOC to establish core sports while giving host countries the flexibility to propose additional disciplines for individual editions of the Games.
“We evaluate international participation, organisational complexity and gender parity before any sport can be considered,” he added.
The International Tent Pegging Federation, established on October 27, 2013, has been actively working towards recognition of the sport on a global stage.
Earlier in the meeting, Bach praised AIPS President Gianni Merlo and the young reporters for their innovative project, expressing gratitude for their contribution to Olympic storytelling.
Bach also delivered a powerful message of peace, reflecting on the unifying mission of the Olympics:
“Despite wars, conflicts and aggression, athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team sent a resounding message of peace through their participation. This bond of humanity was witnessed by more than half of the world’s population.”
Tent pegging enthusiasts and global supporters will await the IOC’s decision on this historic sport's potential inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Key factors include the number of athletes — particularly significant for team sports — the availability of venues and the overall complexity of organisation. Bach emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance, stating: “We cannot let the Games grow endlessly, as this would limit hosting opportunities to only G20 or G7 nations, which is not our goal. Respecting the athlete limit of 10,500-11,000 is crucial, as is achieving gender parity for any sport to be included in the Olympic programme.”
The inquiry, part of the AIPS Centennial project “100 Olympic Stories told by 100 Young Reporters from 100 Nations,” specifically addressed the status of tent pegging — a traditional equestrian sport. Bach acknowledged the application submitted by the International Tent Pegging Federation, headquartered in Muscat, Oman, noting that the IOC Sports Department is reviewing it.
He explained the revised decision-making process for new sports, allowing the IOC to establish core sports while giving host countries the flexibility to propose additional disciplines for individual editions of the Games.
“We evaluate international participation, organisational complexity and gender parity before any sport can be considered,” he added.
The International Tent Pegging Federation, established on October 27, 2013, has been actively working towards recognition of the sport on a global stage.
Earlier in the meeting, Bach praised AIPS President Gianni Merlo and the young reporters for their innovative project, expressing gratitude for their contribution to Olympic storytelling.
Bach also delivered a powerful message of peace, reflecting on the unifying mission of the Olympics:
“Despite wars, conflicts and aggression, athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team sent a resounding message of peace through their participation. This bond of humanity was witnessed by more than half of the world’s population.”
Tent pegging enthusiasts and global supporters will await the IOC’s decision on this historic sport's potential inclusion in the Olympic Games.