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Silver Ferns at the Olympics? Bid launched for 2032 Games

August 10, 2021
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 02: Kiera Austin of Australia is challenged by Sulu Fitzpatrick of New Zealand during the Constellation Cup International Test match between the New Zealand Silver Ferns and the Australia Diamonds at Christchurch Arena on March 02, 2021 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

The Silver Ferns could become another Olympic medal hope for New Zealand in the future with Netball Australia confirming a bid to get their sport added to the Brisbane Games in 2032.

Netball Australia announced their bid last night, saying they had the support of World Netball in pushing for netball’s inclusion in the 2032 Olympics.

“We want our junior netballers to dream of Olympic glory in the sport they love,” Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said.

“We want our netball fans, who are the proudest and most passionate supporters, to cheer on their favourite athletes as they compete in the green and gold with the whole world watching on.

“Our sport deserves to be played on the biggest stage.”

Netball has been a sport in the Commonwealth Games since 1998 but has never featured under the five rings despite more than 20 million playing it worldwide in more than 80 countries.

Ryan added Netball Australia would have the perfect opportunity to show the sport’s potential in the near future too with Sydney hosting the Netball World Cup in 2027.

The 2027 tournament will feature 16 nations.

World Netball president Liz Nicholl said the governing body is behind the bid too.

“All our Member Nations are excited at the potential of being part of the Olympic Family in 2032,” Nicholl said.

“We are committed to exploring the potential with Netball Australia and ensuring that our case for inclusion adds significant value to this very special Olympic movement.”

Netball Australia said there could also be the potential for a men’s competition to be included too with male participation in the sport growing too.

In the meantime, Netball Australia said they will begin work with World Netball, the Australian Olympic Committee and the International Committee to discuss possibilities.

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