Almost 50 years on since it first appeared on the streets of New York, breakdancing has been confirmed as an Olympic sport. The International Olympic Committee confirmed yesterday that the sport, officially called breaking, will feature at the 2024 games being held in Paris.

An announcement was made this week, noting that "gender equality and youth" would be "at the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic sports programme." As part of their efforts to engage with a younger audience, it was revealed that breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing "were confirmed as additional sports proposed by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee."

The International Olympic Committee noted that the concept of "urban sports" has been "expanded, showcasing youth-focused events, which are inclusive, engaging and can be practised outside conventional arenas."

Breaking will make its Olympic Games debut, building on the success of the sport at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.pic.twitter.com/ZthK3ZRxIv

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) December 7, 2020

While the decision was welcomed by many, some commentators and athletes have expressed disappointment that breaking was chosen over other sports – including squash, netball, parkour and baseball.

Breakdancing is one of the four central elements of hip-hop culture – alongside DJing, MCing and graffiti. Although breaking did not originate as a competitive sport, in more recent years, competitions have been held across the world.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were delayed due to the global pandemic, are set to take place next year from July 23 to August 8. The Olympic Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.