We bet many bowlers worldwide sighed or maybe even wiped a tear seeing Olympic athletes boating on the Seine River during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Argh, yet another Olympic Games without bowling.
As we watch those athletes on boats with envy in our eyes, it’s a good moment to explore the main reasons why bowling is not included in this prestigious sporting event.
Brief History of Bowling in International Competitions
Bowling is a sport with a rich history and global appeal, enjoyed by over 95 million people worldwide. Despite its popularity and past efforts to gain Olympic recognition, bowling remains on the sidelines and has yet to secure a spot in the Summer Olympics.
Bowling was showcased as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where 20 nations participated in men’s and women’s tournaments. That was the closest this sport has ever been to the Olympics. Since then, bowling has featured in significant multi-sport events, such as the Asian Games and the World Games, yet it has not been officially included in the Olympic roster. With bowling being excluded from the upcoming 2025 World Games and the 2026 Asian Games, the Olympic dream seems further away than ever. However, this is not the only reason that keeps bowling out of the Olympics. With bowling beeing excluded from the upcoming 2025 World Games and Asian Games 2026, Olympic dream seems further away than ever. However, this is not the only reason that keeps bowling out of the Olympics.
Lack of Appeal to Younger Demographics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and advertisers focus on sports that attract younger audiences. This is why skateboarding and breakdancing are in the Olympics, while bowlers have to watch them on TV. Unfortunately, bowling struggles to captivate this demographic. Although recreational bowling is popular among young people, it lacks the vibrant, youth-centric image that the Olympics and advertisers prefer. To boost its appeal, the bowling community needs to engage more with younger audiences through social media and innovative promotional strategies.
Unsuccessful IOC Voting & Exclusion from Final Shortlists
For any sport to be included in the Olympics, it must receive enough votes from the IOC. Bowling has been considered alongside other sports like pole dancing and squash but has not garnered the necessary support. Although bowling was shortlisted for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it did not make the final cut. The IOC prioritized sports that required minimal new infrastructure and had broader youth appeal. This ongoing lack of endorsement from the IOC remains a significant barrier to bowling’s Olympic ambitions. While it is easy to blame the IOC, it is also related to other issues that bowling authorities must address.
No Paralympic Presence
Bowling’s absence from the Paralympic Games also impacts its chances in the Summer Olympics. Sports often gain Olympic inclusion after being featured in the Paralympics, as both events strive for inclusivity and diverse representation. Without Paralympic representation, bowling’s chances of becoming an Olympic sport are further diminished.
Let's not despair, fellow bowlers. Bowling authorities might have made some mistakes recently, but bowling remains a beloved sport with a passionate global following. With all the young bowlers using innovative techniques like two-handed bowling styles and backup balls, and making this sport more dynamic, we must remain hopeful for bowling's place in future Olympic Games.
