European Games Istanbul 2027 Sports Program Approved

The European Olympic Committees (EOC) Executive Committee has approved the sports program for the fourth European Games Istanbul 2027, strengthening the event’s role on Europe’s pathway to the Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

The program, approved on March 13 during the EOC Executive Committee meeting, was developed in close cooperation with the Istanbul 2027 Organizing Committee and the respective International and European Federations.

A total of 26 sports and disciplines will feature at the fourth European Games, including 22 Olympic sports aligned with the LA28 Olympic programme. The European Games, taking place from June 16–27, 2027 and expected to feature up to 50 nations, will offer extensive Olympic qualification opportunities through both direct quota places and Olympic ranking systems.

The inclusion of all sports and disciplines remains subject to the conclusion of agreements with the respective federations, in accordance with the EOC standard contract.

The EOC is the umbrella body for Europe’s NOCs and commits to spreading the Olympic values and inspiring sport and healthy lifestyles across Europe.

Debuts and Returns of Sports

Rowing (beach sprint), weightlifting and squash will make their European Games debuts in Istanbul, with squash set to feature at the Olympic Games for the first time at LA28. At the same time, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling return to the program following their absence from Kraków-Małopolska 2023.

“Istanbul 2027 will be a key milestone on the road to Los Angeles 2028,” said EOC Coordination Commission Chair Mihai Covaliu. “With 26 sports, including 22 Olympic disciplines, and significant qualification opportunities, the Games will provide Europe’s athletes with a high-level platform to perform and qualify for the Olympic Games.

“The program reflects our strong cooperation with the International and European Federations and our shared ambition to deliver an outstanding edition of the European Games.”

“The European Games Istanbul 2027 will showcase the strength and diversity of European sport,” said Istanbul 2027 CEO Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır. “In close collaboration with the EOC and the Federations, we have developed a programme that reflects both sporting excellence and the vision of our city. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from across Europe to Istanbul in 2027.”

Further details on competition venues will be announced in due course.

The full list of European Games Istanbul 2027 sports includes: 3×3 Basketball, Aquatics, Archery, Athletics (European Team Championships), Badminton, Boxing, Canoe Sprint, Fencing, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Modern Pentathlon, Muaythai, Padel, Rowing (Beach Sprint), Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Sport Climbing, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.