Arabic version: آمال كرة الشبكة تتصاعد للظهور الأول في أولمبياد بريزبن 2032

According to ABC News, netball has been surprised by reports suggesting it is near the top of the priority list for possible inclusion at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The Brisbane 2032 organising committee may propose up to six local sports as one-off additions, with cricket, surf lifesaving, rugby league and lawn bowls also being considered.

An Olympic selection would give netball a historic Games debut. The sport has featured at the Commonwealth Games since 1998 but has unsuccessfully sought Olympic inclusion at least four times. Netball Australia launched its Brisbane 2032 bid in 2021 and says its petition has attracted more than 115,000 signatures.

The International Olympic Committee has revised its timetable for deciding the Brisbane programme. In December, it will issue recommendations covering disciplines for automatic inclusion, those needing further assessment and candidates removed from consideration. A formal decision is due in April next year following voting at an IOC session in the Dominican Republic.

Former Australian defender Bianca Chatfield said people were shocked by the leak and stressed that nothing had been confirmed. She said Olympic inclusion would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for athletes to pursue a gold medal, while stronger international competition from teams including Jamaica and New Zealand could support the sport’s case.

Federal Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells publicly backed netball, describing it as the leading team sport for women and girls in Australia and the region. Netball Australia said it would respect the organising committee and IOC processes while continuing to advocate for the sport and its global community.