An obstacle course inspired by Ninja Warrior just might be included in the 2028 Olympics.
Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) – which broadcasts Sasuke (Ninja Warrior) – has announced it is partnering with World Obstacle, the Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) and the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) to test a competition inspired by the series for inclusion in the Modern Pentathlon.
At current, the Modern Pentathlon consists of fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, laser pistol shooting, and running but it was announced equestrian will be replaced by an obstacle course after the 2024 Games.
The Sasuke-type ‘Ninja Competitions’ is one of two obstacle sports being considered to replace the horseback discipline.
FISO president Ian Adamson said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with TBS and the UIPM on the new 5th discipline. Obstacles have a long history in pentathlon, and introducing a new discipline that is practiced and watched by millions of people in over 160 countries in the form of ”Sasuke’ [Ninja Warrior’] shows has the potential to widen the audience for all stakeholders and enhance the appeal of the sport on the Olympic program.”
The first test competition will be held in Ankara, Turkey on June 27 and 28 following the 2022 Pentathlon World Cup Final. TBS will provide a Ninja Warrior obstacle course used for filming local versions of the “Sasuke” format in Europe.
[Image: ITV via YouTube]