‘Ninja Warrior’ Obstacle Racing Joins 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics

The Olympics are set to get a new addition with the incorporation of the popular TV format “Ninja Warrior” into the Modern Pentathlon discipline of obstacle racing. Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, the producer behind the show “Sasuke” which has been adapted worldwide as various versions of “Ninja Warrior,” has partnered with Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) to bring this exciting format to the Olympics.

UIPM, the international federation governing Modern Pentathlon, has been working with TBS since 2022 to create test events based on “Sasuke” and other obstacle sports elements. This collaboration has led to the development of UIPM’s obstacle racing, which will now be included in the Modern Pentathlon discipline.

The Modern Pentathlon, introduced to the Olympics in 1912, traditionally consisted of five disciplines: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running, and shooting. However, with the inclusion of obstacle racing, equestrian show jumping has been replaced at all levels by this new and exciting element.

The International Olympic Committee unanimously voted in 2023 to include the updated Modern Pentathlon with obstacle racing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. UIPM has already hosted its first Obstacle World Championships in Beijing in 2025, showcasing the potential of this new discipline.

Under their partnership, UIPM has licensed certain “Sasuke”/”Ninja Warrior” intellectual property and program elements from TBS for obstacle racing. This collaboration aims to bring together the heritage and innovation of both organizations to create a unique sporting experience for fans around the world.

TBS and UIPM are also planning to cross-promote “Sasuke”/”Ninja Warrior” and Modern Pentathlon as the Los Angeles Olympics approach, further increasing the excitement and visibility of the new discipline.

The “Ninja Warrior” franchise has been a global sensation since its launch in 1997, with local versions airing in over 160 countries and regions. The United States’ version, “American Ninja Warrior,” is currently in its 18th season and continues to captivate audiences.

Executive officer Katsuaki Setoguchi from TBS Holdings expressed his excitement about the convergence of “Sasuke”/”Ninja Warrior” with the history of the Modern Pentathlon, culminating in its establishment as an Olympic sport. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of sports and entertainment that will continue to grow and evolve on the world’s greatest stage.

As we look forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the integration of obstacle racing into the Modern Pentathlon promises to bring a fresh and thrilling element to the Games, combining athleticism, skill, and excitement in a way never seen before.