The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday (May 3) that Tokyo and Shanghai have been selected as host cities for qualifying rounds in multiple urban sports during the preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
This decision marks Tokyo's return as a hub for high-quality Olympic events, following its hosting of the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021) and numerous other international competitions. Shanghai also reaffirms its role as a leading urban sports destination in Asia.
The urban sports involved include skateboarding, sport climbing, and possibly breakdancing—disciplines that debuted at the Paris 2024 Olympics and will continue in the Los Angeles 2028 program. The qualifiers in Tokyo and Shanghai will be key for athletes to secure Olympic spots.
The IOC emphasized the selection of cities with modern infrastructure and experience in hosting major events to optimize costs and ensure the best competition conditions for athletes. Specific dates and the final list of disciplines are expected to be announced in the coming months.
