Earlier this morning, the International Olympic Committee made its recommendations for three sports to be added to the 2016 Summer Games. It was hoped that baseball and softball, two sports dropped for the 2012 Olympics, would be reinstated for 2016. That did not happen as the IOC recommended that golf and rugby be added and also brought in women’s boxing for the 2012 Olympics in London.
To baseball which had really made a huge push to be reinstated, it’s a huge disappointment. This is the statement from the International Baseball Federation:
IBAF Statement Regarding IOC’s Announcement on Re-instatement To The Olympic Programme For 2016
(LAUSANNE, Switzerland) – The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) today issued the following statement after the announcement earlier today in Berlin on which two sports would be put forth for a vote in October in Copenhagen for re-instatement for the 2016 Olympics.
“The IBAF would like to congratulate golf and rugby on their selection today. Both will be welcome additions to the Olympic programme and should add great excitement to which ever city is selected to host the Olympic Games in 2016. We also want to wish nothing but the best to karate, roller sports, softball and squash, who were also not selected today. All of the seven sports under consideration have proven through the selection process that they are worthy of Olympic Games inclusion.
Today is certainly a disappointing day for the billions of fans and participants around the globe who love the game of baseball, especially for the many young people from emerging countries who are now just learning the game and will not get the opportunity to realize the Olympic dream that so many before them have had. We effectively addressed all the International Olympic Committee’s questions with regard to re-instatement and are confident that we had made the best presentation possible.
The game of baseball has grown stronger around the world, and overall baseball is seen and played by more boys and girls and men and women, both disabled and able-bodied, than ever before. Baseball will always emulate the Olympic ideals, and we predict that the IOC will be asking baseball back to the games for 2020, as we will continue to be the best partner for global sport possible.
On behalf of all our federations, we want to thank President Rogge and the IOC for the opportunity to be re-instated to the Olympic programme, and we wish all the best going forward.”
The earliest baseball and softball can return is in 2020.
