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International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry has hailed the return of cricket to the Olympic Games after more than a century, stating that its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 edition will strengthen the global appeal of the Games and deepen the connection with Indian audiences. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist and the first woman to lead the IOC, made these remarks in her recorded address to the CNBC TV18 Global Leadership Summit from Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday. “With cricket returning to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028, the connection will only grow stronger, bringing the magic of the Games even closer to the hearts of Indian fans,” Coventry said. Cricket’s comeback at Los Angeles 2028 Cricket will make its long-awaited comeback at the 2028 Olympic Games, where the sport will be played in the T20 format. The decision to reintroduce cricket was formally approved by the IOC in 2023, following strong lobbying from cricket boards and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The inclusion is expected to significantly boost Olympic viewership and engagement in cricket-loving nations such as India, Pakistan, Australia, and England. Coventry highlighted how the sport’s return aligns with the IOC’s goal of expanding its global footprint. “Cricket’s inclusion represents not just a sporting decision but a cultural connection to millions of fans across Asia and beyond. It reflects our vision of diversity and inclusivity,” she said. India’s growing role in global sports Praising India’s growing influence in international sport, Coventry noted that Indian athletes, fans, and businesses have increasingly become vital contributors to the Olympic ecosystem. “We have seen record athlete participation, millions of passionate fans following the Games, and tremendous excitement across the country,” Coventry said. The IOC President also pointed to India’s strong performance in recent global sporting events, such as the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the country registered its highest-ever medal tally. She remarked that India’s expanding sports culture is a positive sign for the future of the Olympic movement. IOC seeks Indian media partner for Games broadcast In a key development, Coventry revealed that the IOC is currently conducting an open tender process to identify the ideal media partner to telecast the Olympic Games in India. “Our goal is to find the right partner to bring the magic of the Olympic Games to every corner of this extraordinary country. We look forward to building new connections with those who share our belief that sports and business together can open opportunities, foster inclusion, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger,” Coventry stated. The IOC’s collaboration with Indian broadcasters aims to ensure wider coverage, better accessibility, and higher audience engagement ahead of Los Angeles 2028. India’s bid to host 2036 Olympic Games Coventry also acknowledged India’s official bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city. She described the move as a bold step that signals India’s rising ambitions on the global sporting stage. “India has every reason to look to the future with great confidence,” Coventry said. The IOC President added that the committee views India as a “key growth market” for the Olympic movement due to its population, passion for sports, and expanding infrastructure. Building partnerships rooted in integrity and innovation Highlighting the IOC’s broader mission, Coventry emphasised that global partnerships must be built on integrity, innovation, and social impact. “Our global partners bring expertise, innovation, and resources that support athletes and organisations of the Games. India already plays a growing role in this success story,” she noted. The IOC President reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the Olympic Games continue to be a platform that unites nations through sportsmanship, equality, and sustainability. A new era for Olympic cricket The return of cricket marks a historic reunion after more than 120 years — the sport last featured at the 1900 Paris Olympics. With India’s massive cricket fanbase, experts believe the move could redefine the scale of Olympic viewership. Sports analysts also suggest that the participation of major cricketing nations could open new avenues for sponsorships and global collaborations. With India’s passion for cricket and its growing Olympic ambitions, Coventry’s remarks have resonated strongly among sports enthusiasts, signalling the dawn of a new era for the Olympic Games.
