10 Sports Removed from the Olympics

Tug of War, a team sport requiring strength and coordination, was once a staple of the Olympic Games. Teams competed by pulling on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to drag the other team across a marked line.

• Olympic History: Tug of War featured in the Olympics from 1900 to 1920.
• Reason for Removal: Officials removed the sport to streamline the athletics category and reduce the number of team events.
• Interesting Fact: Despite being one of the sports removed from the Olympics, Tug of War remains popular in local and international competitions.

Croquet, a game involving hitting balls through hoops using mallets, had a brief stint in the Olympic Games. It emphasizes precision, strategy, and skill.

• Olympic History: The sport appeared only once, in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: Low international participation and interest led to its discontinuation.
• Interesting Fact: As one of the sports removed from the Olympics, Croquet’s single appearance highlighted its limited global appeal at the time.

Jeu de Paume, the precursor to modern tennis, was included in the Olympics when many traditional sports were still part of the program. It was played with bare hands before rackets were introduced.

• Olympic History: Featured in the 1908 London Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: The sport’s complexity and declining popularity contributed to its removal.
• Interesting Fact: Despite being one of the sports removed from the Olympics, Jeu de Paume remains an important historical sport.

Basque Pelota, a high-speed ball game from the Basque region, involves hitting a ball against a wall using various tools like hands, rackets, or bats.

• Olympic History: Included in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: It failed to gain significant international traction and was removed after just one appearance.
• Interesting Fact: Basque Pelota continues to thrive in its regions of origin and in international competitions.

Polo, a fast-paced team sport played on horseback, was once a prestigious event at the Olympics. Teams score by hitting a small ball into the opponent’s goal using long-handled mallets.

• Olympic History: Featured in 1900, 1908, 1920, 1924, and 1936.
• Reason for Removal: The logistical difficulties and high costs of transporting and maintaining horses led to Polo being discontinued.
• Interesting Fact: Polo remains popular globally, especially in countries like Argentina, India, and the UK.

Roque, an American variant of croquet, was played on a hard surface and had a brief Olympic tenure. It featured specific rules different from traditional lawn croquet.

• Olympic History: Featured only in the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: Its niche appeal and limited international following led to its removal.
• Interesting Fact: Roque was primarily popular in the United States, which limited its global appeal.

Racquets, an indoor sport similar to squash but played with a harder ball, was part of the Olympic Games once. Known for its high-speed play, it demanded agility and precision.

• Olympic History: Included in the 1908 London Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: The sport did not achieve widespread popularity beyond the UK, leading to its removal.
• Interesting Fact: As one of the sports removed from the Olympics, Racquets still enjoys popularity in select regions, particularly the UK.

Motor Boating, featuring races with motor-powered boats, tested speed and navigation skills. This sport showcased technological prowess alongside athletic skill.

• Olympic History: Included in the 1908 London Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: The reliance on machinery rather than physical ability and the high costs involved led to its exclusion.
• Interesting Fact: Weather conditions during the 1908 races further highlighted the impracticalities, leading to its discontinuation.

Lacrosse, a dynamic team sport with Native American origins, involves using a long-handled stick to catch, carry, and pass a small rubber ball with the goal of scoring.

• Olympic History: Featured in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: Limited international participation and recognition at the time led to its exclusion.
• Interesting Fact: Lacrosse is set to make a comeback at the 2028 LA Olympics, highlighting its growing global popularity.

Cricket, a globally popular bat-and-ball game, made a brief Olympic appearance. Known for its strategic depth and long matches, it is a staple in countries like England, India, and Australia.

• Olympic History: Included only in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
• Reason for Removal: The sport’s lengthy duration and limited participation led to its exclusion.
• Interesting Fact: Cricket is set to return to the Olympics in 2028, illustrating its enduring global appeal.