With just over three years until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the global sports landscape is already buzzing with anticipation. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled an expanded event lineup, adding 22 new medal events compared to Paris 2024, and setting the stage for a dynamic and unpredictable Games.
One of the biggest headlines comes from the world of table tennis — a sport deeply rooted in China’s competitive legacy. For the first time, six gold medals will be up for grabs, thanks to the inclusion of a mixed team event. This addition not only enhances the medal count but also raises the stakes for dominant forces like Team China, who swept all five table tennis golds at Paris 2024.
However, LA28’s format changes also introduce new hurdles. The IOC has opted to replace traditional team events with a return to men’s and women’s doubles , formats not seen since Athens 2004. This shift levels the playing field, opening up chances for rising powers such as Japan, India, South Korea, and France to challenge China’s supremacy.
Despite their historic dominance, China’s recent performances suggest a tighter race ahead. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Chinese doubles pairs were ousted in the quarterfinals by Japanese and Indian teams. Similarly, at the 2021 World Championships, early exits from China’s men’s doubles underscored the growing parity in global competition.
Petra Sörling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation, hailed the inclusion of the mixed team format as a “historic milestone,” acknowledging the Chinese Table Tennis Association for pioneering the concept through a successful trial at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu in 2023.
The total athlete quota for table tennis remains capped at 172, the same as Paris, meaning only three players per gender per country — even for powerhouses like China. This rule will intensify the internal selection process, forcing teams to strategically balance their squads for singles, doubles, and now, the high-pressure mixed team format.
Commentator Li Wujun of China Central Television notes, “The new Olympic format demands smarter strategy, more endurance, and flawless execution. It’s a whole new playing field for everyone.”
Beyond table tennis, the LA28 Games are embracing broader changes. Five new sports — baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash — have been added, along with new events in boxing, artistic gymnastics, and 50m sprints in swimming. With 351 medal events across 31 sports and approximately 10,500 athletes competing, LA28 is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and inclusive Olympic Games yet.
These developments align with the IOC’s vision for a gender-equal, globally appealing, and athlete-centric Games, promising a thrilling spectacle for fans and athletes alike.
