Istanbul to Host 2027 European Games with 26 Sports and Olympic Qualification

Program for the 4th European Games Finalized

According to Главком: The Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees has approved the sports program for the 4th European Games, scheduled for Istanbul in 2027. The event will feature 26 sports and disciplines, with 22 of them being Olympic sports. Crucially, the Games will serve as a key qualification pathway for athletes aiming to compete at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Sports on the 2027 European Games Roster

The confirmed lineup of sports for the 4th European Games includes:

• 3x3 Basketball
• Aquatics
• Archery
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Boxing
• Canoe Kayak
• Fencing
• Gymnastics
• Judo
• Karate
• Kickboxing
• Modern Pentathlon
• Muay Thai
• Padel
• Rowing (Beach Sprint)
• Rugby Sevens
• Shooting
• Sport Climbing
• Squash
• Table Tennis
• Taekwondo
• Triathlon
• Volleyball
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling

Weightlifting, rowing (beach sprint), and squash will make their European Games debut in Istanbul. Notably, these three sports are also set to appear for the first time at the Olympic Games in 2028.

The program was developed in collaboration with the local organizing committee and the relevant international sports federations. The 2027 Games mark the return of several major sports that were absent from the previous edition in Krakow-Malopolska, including artistic gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling, and aquatics. The European Games are a multi-sport event held every four years, acting as a continental championship for many sports. This edition promises to be a significant gathering for Europe's top athletes and sports fans alike.

By offering qualification spots for the Los Angeles Olympics, the Istanbul Games will be a critical stepping stone for European athletes. With the introduction of new sports and the reinstatement of popular disciplines, the event is expected to draw considerable attention from competitors and spectators, showcasing a diverse range of athletic competition. This initiative underscores the European Olympic Committees' commitment to fostering sport across the continent and supporting emerging talent on their journey to Olympic success.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, the early kickoff of the football tournament across seven U.S. cities will set the stage for an unforgettable year of sports. This will provide a unique opportunity for athletes to showcase their talents in the lead-up to the Games, further emphasizing the significance of the qualification pathways established by events like the 2027 European Games.