Ninja Warrior replaces equestrian in modern pentathlon at the 2028 Olympics

The Ninja Warrior steeplechase competition has been officially incorporated into the 2028 Olimpíadas program into Los Angeles. The agreement with Tokyo Broadcasting System confirmed that the event will replace equestrian in the modern pentathlon from the summer Jogos onwards. The change represents a significant transformation in the composition of the modality, which integrates 5 different disciplines.

The modern pentathlon maintains its 5-event structure, but the inclusion of Ninja Warrior reflects a strategy by Comitê Olímpico Internacional to bring Jogos closer to the young audience. Equestrianism, which has been part of the sport since its creation, leaves the program to make room for the new strength and agility test format.

Detalhes from sport change

The agreement enables an unprecedented partnership between União Internacional of Pentatlão Moderno and the Japanese broadcaster that holds the rights to the Ninja Warrior franchise. The competition maintains its essence of multidisciplinary testing with the replacement of only 1 of the 5 original components.

The decision was announced in May 2026 and marks a break with the sport’s more than a century old tradition. Equestrianism, which has been present since the creation of the modern pentathlon in the Jogos of 1912 in Estocolmo, will no longer be part of the Olympic competition. Ninja Warrior brings elements of an obstacle park, requiring speed, coordination and endurance from athletes.

What makes up the new modern pentathlon

• Hipismo (replaced by Ninja Warrior from 2028)
• Natação 200 meter freestyle
• Prova combined shooting and running
• Esgrima (Sword Trial)
• Cross-country Corrida (3.2 km)

Expectativas for Jogos of Los Angeles

The renewed format seeks to increase the audience and international engagement of the modern pentathlon. Los Angeles 2028 will be the first Olympic event to feature Ninja Warrior as an official discipline at the maximum competition level. The change also sets a precedent for future revisions of the Olympic program, especially in sports that face challenges of public interest.

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The inclusion reflects a broader trend for Movimento Olímpico to incorporate sports that resonate with younger generations, much like skateboarding, surfing and breaking have in recent Jogos. Ninja Warrior, known worldwide for the television franchise of the same name, has bases in several countries and has millions of viewers on streaming platforms and traditional television.

Calendar incorporation Processo

Comitê Olímpico Internacional approved the change after a technical assessment of the possibilities of safe and standardized competition for Ninja Warrior in an Olympic context. Tokyo Broadcasting System will provide guidelines on the test structure, obstacles and evaluation criteria, ensuring consistency with the globally known television version.

Atletas of modern pentathlon will have an adaptation period before Jogos to train the new component. National Federações are already starting to prepare their competitors for the renewed format. The change represents a significant challenge for European countries with a strong tradition in equestrianism, which will need to redirect investments in training.