A decades-long vision to return lacrosse to the Olympic stage has today been realised, with the International Olympic Committee approving lacrosse’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The approving vote today by the IOC Session – which includes 99 international sport leaders – was the last step of a formal process initiated by the LA28 Organising Committee last year to add new sports to the Games in Los Angeles.

LA28 will mark the third Olympic appearance for the sport that is now played in nearly 100 countries around the world, after it was contested in 1904 (St. Louis) and 1908 (London).

Lacrosse was later featured as a demonstration sport in three Olympics: Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932 and London 1948.

In 2028, men’s and women’s lacrosse will be competed in Sixes, an incredibly fast-paced, compact version of the sport at the intersection of field and box lacrosse.

It offers an inclusionary opportunity to all lacrosse athletes and an easier entry point for new players, and is characterised by an accelerated, open style of play with quick transitions and non-stop, high-scoring action.

Developed in 2018, sixes has advanced global growth, increased accessibility and approachability, created greater competitive balance, and reduced cost and complexity of participation and event staging. It is the next generation version of the game.

Mark Coups, England Lacrosse Chief Executive, said: “Today represents the culmination of years of effort and dedication from the global community to put lacrosse back on the biggest stage in the world.

The inclusion of lacrosse in the Olympic Games is a true landmark moment in the modern growth of lacrosse and begins the next chapter of our sport.

This represents an unparalleled opportunity to put the sport in front of new audiences and new players, giving people the opportunity to be inspired by the stories within our sport and fall in love with lacrosse, as we all have.

Now is our time to shine and I am sure that our lacrosse community is as excited as I am for what is to come.

World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern said: “There is no greater designation than to be recognised as an Olympic sport. The global lacrosse family has been passionately working toward reaching this pinnacle for more than a decade.

“This seminal achievement would not have been possible without the effort of many visionary and dedicated individuals who collectively recognised that Olympic inclusion is the most significant catalyst for the continued growth of a sport.

“I offer our sincere gratitude to LA28 and the IOC for allowing us to realise our vision; now is our time to shine and show the world how lacrosse contributes to a better tomorrow.”